(SportsRadio 610) - In a surprise move, the Orlando Magic selected Duke's Paolo Banchero No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft.
It had long been believed the Rockets were targeting Banchero at No. 3. Instead, they selected Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr. with the third pick in the draft.
Smith, a 6-feet, 10-inch forward who played just one season at Auburn, now pairs with Jalen Green as the Rockets' franchise cornerstones. As a freshman at Auburn, Smith averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, one block and one steal per game.
At 6'10", Jabari Smith Jr. has unprecedented range for his size.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 24, 2022
His 79 3-point FG in 2021-22 were the most by a player 6'10" or taller over the last 25 seasons.
On shots 24 feet or further, Smith shot 41% (the NBA 3-point line is 23 feet, 9 inches). pic.twitter.com/UnD9vMCpdC
Kevin Porter Jr welcomes Jabari Smith to the Rockets!! pic.twitter.com/9OYAAvbK52
— ً (@arxanii) June 24, 2022
