<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Some projections say the Nets will grab him with the 17th pick in this month's NBA Draft. Others say he won't get that far. Still others predict he'll go beyond the Nets. But the consensus is Colorado State 7-footer Jason Smith is a first-rounder. And after working out for the Nets and Knicks yesterday in another joint session by the two clubs, Smith sounded like a guy hoping to land in New Jersey. "That would be great. The Nets organization, it's a great organization. I think I could add a lot to it and help them," said Smith, who worked out with Wake Forest forward Kyle Visser, Wisconsin swingman Alando Tucker (who strained his quad in the workout), and Loyola-Chicago guard Blake Schlib. "I bring a great, hard-working, always-want-to-get-better attitude. Not afraid to do the dirty jobs on the court: Rebound, don't worry about scoring, just run the floor as hard as I can. I'm willing to do anything to make us win." The drawback is that Smith's game is more European-style face-the-basket, perimeter-oriented, and the Nets have that in Nenad Krstic. They are looking for an athletic, shot-blocking, back-to-the-basket scorer. Maybe Tim Duncan will re-enter the draft in a perfect world. But the Nets will take the best player available regardless of position. "A skilled player, more of a European player, perimeter-type even though he's 6-11. Athletic kid, good shooter," Nets GM Ed Stefanski said of Smith, a 16.8 ppg scorer and 10.1 rebounder. "He's more four-ish than he is five, and he's a face-the-basket guy more than he is a down-low type." </div> Source: NY Post Player Page What do you guys think about him?
I would like this pick a lot. Jason smith was one of the only players in the country to average a double bouble. Hes skilled and he can rebound and play defense. I think hes a little tougher than krstic, so he actually might be able to make up for that a little bit.
Jason Smith would be a nice pick he's athletic and skilled. What I'm wondering is, if they bring Jason Smith in what do the Nets do with Krstic? Do they put him or Smith on the bench. Could they possibely trade Krstic? I would be worried about how he'll be playing after last year's ACL injury.
I know the MWC was pretty good this year, but I just don't have much faith in players in that conference over ACC players.
<u>Jason Smith</u> 16.8ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.9apg <font size=""1"">Position: PF Age: 21 Height: 7'0 Weight: 240lbs College: Colorado St. (Junior) Hometown: Kersey, CO NBA Comparison: Brian Cook Projected: Round 1, Pick 15 - 25</font> <font size=""1""><div class="quote_poster">Quoting NBADraft.net:</div><div class="quote_post">Strengths: 7-footer who shows solid mobility, able to run the court with no problems … Active player who constantly works the blocks to get open … Has developed into an above average rebounder … Underrated post passer who does a good job of recognizing double teams and reacting to them … Fundamentally sound player with few bad habits … Does a good job of keeping the ball high and not putting it on the floor after receiving the ball … For his size Smith is an adequate ball handler … Once Smith gets position in the post he makes his body wide giving his guards a bigger target … Great post footwork, and moves with good fluidity … Offensively he has range out to 18 feet when facing the basket … Excels at taking advantage of size mismatches … Back to the basket skills are still developing but have improved greatly … Owns a nice turnaround jumper in the post … Mobility allows him to be a sufficient help defender … Shows good touch around the basket where he is a solid finisher … Better athlete than he's given credit for as he is more than capable of getting off the floor quickly … Does a great job of creating contact and getting to the free throw line … Weaknesses: Back to the basket moves have greatly improved but are still very much a work in progress … Needs to continue to add more upper body strength … Struggles to establish position against physical defenders as he can easily get pushed off the blocks … Rebounding has improved greatly this year but he needs to focus on boxing out better … Doesn’t always finish strong after absorbing contact … Above average shot blocker in college but likely will not be as fortunate in the NBA … Will need to upgrade his foot speed while adding weight, which could be a challenge … Athletic opponents tend to frustrate him defensively on the perimeter … Needs to take care of the ball better when making offesnive moves … Doesn’t shy away from contact but certainly does not seek it out … Lacks the killer instinct to consistently dominate games …</div></font>
