Indiana Pacers: Why Jabari Smith should be the primary NBA Draft target

For the first time in thirty years, the Indiana Pacers have a shot to take the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. After finishing the season with one of their worst finishes ever, the franchise is guaranteed to be in the running to select a top-tier prospect in the rookie pool.

The Pacers have a 10.5 percent chance to land the first overall pick and a 42.1 percent shot to get a top-four selection. With the 2022 class touted to be a top-heavy one, Indiana will have to think big if they get the top prize in the draft.

In our first NBA mock draft, we had Jabari Smith as the second overall selection. Should he remain on board, the Pacers should target him as their primary prospect. Here’s why.

The Indiana Pacers have to zoom in on Jabari Smith in the NBA Draft

Few prospects out of college possess the combination of size, shot creation, and athleticism that Jabari Smith boasts. In his lone season with the Auburn Tigers, the 6’10 forward averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in 28.8 minutes per contest. While Auburn didn’t make it far in the tournament, there’s a reason why a lot of draft forecasts have Smith as a top-two pick at least.

Smith’s scoring ability from virtually everywhere on the floor is inarguable. He shot 42.0 percent on threes in college on good volume, and that should translate pretty well into the big league. With the Pacers, he should be an exciting addition to Indiana’s perimeter core in Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte.

Draft scouts have touted him as a Rashard Lewis-type, which is a reasonable comparison given his length and shooting touch. However, Smith is more than just a shooter. He rebounds well, is mobile and switchable on defense, and has the makings to be great off the dribble.

His solid athleticism should also modernize Indiana’s frontcourt even more. Next to Isaiah Jackson, Rick Carlisle’s new up-tempo offense should be even more lethal while Smith’s shot creation ability ensures that the Pacers don’t get stagnant when the pace is deliberate in half court sets.

Beyond the basketball fit, nabbing Smith will make it easier for the front office to gauge the subsequent value of their players, like Myles Turner and the enigmatic condition of TJ Warren, who could be in line for a risky prove-it deal in the offseason.