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Toronto Raptors: Five potential first round prospects to keep an eye on

By Mark Birdsell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
Jalen Smith (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Jalen Smith

Before the basketball world was put on hold, Jalen Smith was having a remarkable sophomore season at the University of Maryland. As Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has pointed out, Smith is one of six players since 1992 to average at least 10 rebounds, two blocks and a three-pointer per game.

Smith looks the part of a modern big. He stands 6-foot-10 with a 7-foot-1.5 wingspan. Smith has gotten stronger since his freshman season. He currently weighs 225 pounds and he has the potential to fill out more.

Smith was named a third-team All American by the Associated Press. He averaged 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. Smith is also shooting 36.8 percent from three-point range on 2.8 attempts per game.

Smith does not have a strong face-up game. Most of his offense will come in transition, off put backs and from drive and kicks. But Smith provides shot-blocking, rebounding and the ability to space the floor. All requirements for today’s NBA.

Selecting a big man makes sense for the Raptors. Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka are both set to hit free agency. One may remain in Toronto next season, but this team could use some more help up front.

Rebounding has been one of the Raptors’ biggest weaknesses this season. Adding a 20-year-old, athletic freak is always a good idea. Plus depending on how Smith expands his game imagine the defensive potential of a starting frontcourt featuring Siakam, Anunoby, and Smith. Good luck scoring against that unit.

Smith could be selected anywhere from the late first to the early second round of the draft. ESPN has him projected to go no. 34 overall. Bleacher Report, on the other hand, has Smith being picked in the early 20s at no. 23.

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