Jabari Smith discusses what sets him apart in NBA Draft

Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr. is one of three prospects in serious contention for the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. The Orlando Magic will decide between him, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Duke’s Paolo Banchero with the top selection. Draft experts have split hairs between the trio all season long determining who’s the best of the group.

With the NBA Combine past, teams have brought in their potential prospects for workouts to find out for themselves. That was the case today when Smith worked out for the Magic. With different arguments for who’s the best of the group, he made the case for himself after the workout.

“I can do so much. I feel like I can come in right away and just make an instant impact on any team. My shooting ability, my ability to play defense, the ability to guard multiple positions, to get a rebound and push it. All of it. I feel like that separates me from a lot of people.”

Smith showed off an all-around game during his freshman season at Auburn. He was able to score, handle, and defend multiple positions on the floor. He averaged 15.9 points and seven rebounds a game while finishing second in the SEC in three-point percentage (42.8%) and fourth in makes (74). At 6-10, Smith does it all as a modern pro prospect.

Even with all the positives in his game, Smith says something else sets him apart from the rest of the draft class.

“It’s my will to win that sets me apart,” he said. “I don’t really care about stats and glamour and all that. I just want to really win and play to win every game. That’s what separates me.”

After having their time with Smith, Orlando has their latest evaluation in what will be a lengthy process to determine who the No. 1 pick will be. That will end once their clock starts on June 23rd at the 2022 NBA Draft.