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Washington Wizards: Can Jason Smith become valuable in rotation?

By Randy Porga

Mar 17, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) dribbles the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) defends in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Jason Smith (14) dribbles the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) defends in the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jason Smith of the Washington Wizards made improvements to his game coming off his ninth season, but can he become more valuable in their bench rotation?

The Washington Wizards signed Jason Smith to a three-year deal worth $16 million during July of 2016. He is a former first round draft pick as the 20th overall selection of the 2007 NBA Draft. He carries average numbers over his nearly decade-long career.

While the 2007 NBA Draft was full of talent, it also had its busts at the forward/center position. For example, Greg Oden went as the first overall pick, and went on to only play 105 games through his career. Here are some other picks in that year’s draft at center.

It seems fair to say that Jason Smith reasonably runs right in the middle of the pack of players drafted along with him at the center position. In comparison, he very closely resembles Spencer Hawes’ career numbers as he has seen time as a starter for more than half of his time in the NBA.

While Jason Smith has only seen the court as a starter for 101 of 563 games in his career, his overall numbers justify more minutes.

Can Jason Smith still provide support and value to a troubled Washington Wizards bench rotation?

Where does his value lie?

Due to the lack of opportunities he has had as a starter, Jason Smith has been primarily a role player off the bench. This goes for all six teams he has played for throughout his journeyman career.

Averaging 17 minutes per game over nine seasons, his stats do not truly show the benefits of Smith on the court. For example, through his career, he averages 6.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game with a 47.3 field goal percentage.

But how does Jason Smith compare to teammates Ian Mahinmi amd Marcin Gortat? Surprisingly well. If we take a look at the three players’ per 36 minutes metrics, we get quite interesting results.

Per 36 minutes this past season, on paper Smith was a better scorer, churned out more blocks, was more reliable from the free throw line, and last but not least, actually has developed the threat of decent three-point shot:

  • Smith:  14.2 points, 1.9 blocks, 5.7 fouls, 68.6 FT%
  • Gortat:  12.4 points, 0.9 blocks, 3.0 fouls, 64.8 FT%
  • Mahinmi:  11.2 points, 1.6 blocks, 5.8 fouls, 57.3 FT%

It should also be noted, per 100 minutes during the 2016-17 regular season, Jason Smith had a 110 offensive rating and 108 defensive rating. By comparison, Marcin Gortat carried a 117 offensive rating and 108 defensive rating last season.

Issues and Improvements

Looking at the statistics, it should be east to spot why Jason Smith may not see as many minutes as he could or should. He is surely in foul trouble often, and the same must be said of Ian Mahinmi.

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However, they are both backup bigs, and one could argue that some extra physicality coming off the bench is not necessarily a bad thing. Gortat is only getting older and will be able to bang inside the paint less and less. Between Smith and Mahinmi bumping and bruising opponents while Gortat rests is not a bad game plan. By no means are either backups true threats as scoring centers.

But Smith’s recent development of his long range shot certainly adds a piece to the puzzle that is the Wizards bench. Although he only averaged 1.1 attempts per game from long range, he shot 47.4 percent from deep on the season.

The 2017 NBA Draft is only days away. The Wizards might use their 52nd overall pick to select a wing to offer John Wall the same relief that Marcin Gortat is receiving.

It seems on paper that the Washington Wizards frontcourt is solid for the upcoming season.

Next: 5 potential Paul George trades

Jason Smith seems plenty capable of carrying over his recent improvements to help add value to the Wizards’ rotation.

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