JUST IN: Former Maryland star finds new NBA home in Eastern Conference

Former Maryland standout forward Jalen Smith has found a new home in the NBA, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Monday morning. Smith has inked a lucrative three-year, $27 million deal with the Chicago Bulls after opting out of his player option with the Indiana Pacers, where he spent the last two seasons.

Smith’s tenure with the Pacers was marked by both promise and fluctuation. During the regular season, he started in 14 games out of his 61 appearances, showcasing his versatility and efficiency on the court. He averaged 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in just over 17 minutes of playing time, shooting an impressive 59.2% from the field and 42.4% from beyond the arc. These statistics underscored his ability to contribute effectively in limited minutes.

However, Smith’s role diminished significantly during the playoffs. He saw action in only seven of the Pacers’ 17 postseason games, averaging a mere 1.9 points in six minutes per game. His playing time exceeded 10 minutes in just two playoff outings, and he was sidelined for the team’s final playoff game due to illness. Despite this playoff setback, Smith’s potential and capabilities were evident throughout his stint in Indiana.

Smith’s journey to the NBA began when the Phoenix Suns selected him with the 10th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In his rookie season, he appeared in 56 games for the Suns, contributing sporadically as the team advanced to the NBA Finals. However, his time in Phoenix was short-lived, as he was traded to the Pacers on February 10, 2022, along with a future second-round pick in exchange for Torrey Craig.

Upon joining the Pacers, Smith quickly acclimated to his new team, averaging 13.4 points over his first 22 games and starting 31 games during the 2022-23 season. Despite these initial successes, his role gradually diminished as the season progressed, culminating in reduced minutes during the playoffs.

Smith’s collegiate career at the University of Maryland serves as a testament to his potential and skill. As a freshman, he played a pivotal role alongside fellow NBA prospect Bruno Fernando, averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. His standout performances earned him Big Ten All-Freshman honors and set the stage for an even more impressive sophomore campaign.

During his sophomore season, Smith emerged as a star for the Terrapins, posting impressive averages of 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. His ability to score efficiently, shooting 60.4% from two-point range and 36.8% from three-point range, solidified his reputation as one of the top forwards in college basketball. Maryland, boasting a talented roster that included Anthony Cowan, Aaron Wiggins, and Darryl Morsell, saw Smith lead them to a share of the Big Ten regular-season title before the COVID-19 pandemic prematurely ended their season.

Smith’s stellar performance did not go unnoticed, as he garnered multiple accolades including All-Big Ten First Team, Big Ten All-Defensive Team, and AP All-America Third Team honors. His versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess made him an attractive prospect for NBA scouts, ultimately leading to his selection by the Suns in the first round of the draft.

Now, with a fresh start in Chicago, Jalen Smith looks to capitalize on his potential and contribute to the Bulls’ quest for success in the upcoming NBA seasons. His journey from college standout to NBA contributor has been marked by challenges and achievements, and his move to Chicago represents a new chapter in his professional basketball career, filled with opportunities to showcase his talents on a larger stage.