Phoenix Suns Players with Something to Prove: Jalen Smith
Dressing for only 27 games last year, Jalen Smith absolutely needs to start living up to his 10th overall selection from the 2020 NBA Draft, or at least show some progress that makes him worth keeping on the roster.
Next year, the Suns own a team option attached to his contract, which applies serious pressure. Although Smith might seem like a valued piece right now still due to his high ceiling and young age, one more forgettable season might prompt the Suns to leave him to the wolves.
Smith jetted out to a solid start this offseason though, turning some heads during the NBA Summer League. He lead the entire tournament with 12.5 rebounds per game, and also earned First Team All-Summer League honors.
But still, Phoenix needs to see Smith work effectively during actual NBA games, not ones where the competition is made up of younger players and forgotten names just looking to earn a 10-day.
For Smith to stay wearing Suns threads, he needs to play at least 50 games—which does not strike as too much to ask of a 21 year old. Additionally, look for him at least outplay Kaminsky both from a scoring standpoint, and off the glass.