Tag: Jalen Smith

Jalen Smith suggested as potential Bulls free agency target

Could the Chicago Bulls target Jalen Smith in free agency this offseason?

The Chicago Bulls should be looking to shake things up this summer in hopes of improving their roster and their future. One guy who they could target is Indiana Pacers big man Jalen Smith, as Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested him among potential free agency targets for Chicago.

“The Bulls should plan on probing the big-man market this summer,” Buckley wrote. “They’ll have no choice if Andre Drummond exits in free agency, but it goes beyond that. Chicago should be prepared for—and, some might argue, pursuing—the possibility of a Nikola Vučević trade between now and his contract’s expiration in 2026. His counting categories might generally impress, but this club has consistently fared better without him throughout his three-plus seasons in the Windy City.

All of the above and more should give the front office reason to consider Jalen Smith, assuming he declines his $5.4 million player option, per Spotrac. Chicago doesn’t always get the shooting or the shot-blocking it needs from the center spot, and Smith is one of few reasonably priced players capable of scratching both itches For his career, he’s been a per-36-minutes supplier of 1.7 threes and 1.5 blocks, per Basketball-Reference, and his outside shot has never looked more promising. This season, he not only splashed a career-high 61 triples (in 61 games), he did so while posting a personal-best 42.4 percent conversion rate.”

Smith’s dynamic offense at the big man position could really help the Bulls on that end of the floor.

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Could Indiana Pacers big man Jalen Smith be a good Chicago Bulls trade target?

We would be very enthusiastic for such a move, with Smith replicating much of the best parts of Nikola Vucevic’ game and little of the worst.

Could Indiana Pacers big man Jalen Smith be a good Chicago Bulls trade target? Smith has had himself a very good season with the Pacers in 2023-24, and could end up being the odd man out in Indiana given their overabundance of frontcourt players.

With UConn alum Andre Drummond a potential flight risk, Chicago could be in the market for a backup center. And Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley thinks the Pacers combo big might be just the player the Bulls need to replace him if so. Smith has “he’s flashed the unique blend of shooting and shot-blocking” that made him an in-demand prospect before struggles at the NBA level nearly derailed his career.

“Beyond adding frontcourt depth, he’d check a few helpful boxes with his paint protection and ability to space the floor from the center spot,” writes the B/R league expert.

We would be very enthusiastic for such a move, with Smith replicating much of the best parts of Nikola Vucevic’ game and little of the worst.

There is still plenty of work to do to fix this roster, but if Chicago could pull such a swap off, it would help get that ball rolling for the Bulls.

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Early signing period: Jalen Smith signs with Tennessee

Early signing period: Jalen Smith signs with Tennessee

The 2022 early signing period is taking place Dec. 21-23 for the 2023 recruiting signing class.

The 2022 early signing period is Josh Heupel’s second as Tennessee’s head coach. He was hired as the Vols’ head coach in Jan. 2021.

Heupel guided the Vols to a 10-2 regular season in 2022.

No. 6 Tennessee (10-2, 6-2 SEC) will play No. 7 Clemson (11-2, 8-0 ACC) in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.

Kickoff between the Vols and Tigers is slated for 8 p.m. EST (ESPN) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Jalen Smith signed with the Vols on Wednesday during the early signing period.

The 6-foot, 213-pound linebacker is from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia.

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Takeaways: Eric Gordon scores season-high 24 points, but Rockets collapse vs. Pacers

Eric Gordon scored a season-high 24 points, but the Rockets blew an early 20-point lead in an offensively challenged home loss to Indiana. Kevin Porter Jr. sat out with a sore back.

HOUSTON — In the opener of a four-game homestand, the Rockets blew an early 20-point lead in Friday’s 99-91 home loss (box score) to Indiana. The Pacers won for the fifth time in six games to improve to 8-6, while the Rockets fell to an NBA-worst 3-13.

Eric Gordon scored a season-high 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting (47.1%), and he also had 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Unfortunately, the veteran didn’t have much help on offense, with Jalen Green (20.0%), Jabari Smith Jr. (28.6%), and Alperen Sengun (30.8%) all struggling from the field and Kevin Porter Jr. out with a sore back.

Veteran big man Myles Turner had 17 points (62.5% FG) and 4 blocked shots for the Pacers, with his interior presence serving as a major deterrent at the rim. For the game, Houston shot 20-of-51 from inside the paint (39.2%). Frontcourt partner Jalen Smith had 10 points and a game-high 18 rebounds, along with 4 assists and 3 blocks.

It was a themed night for the Rockets, who debuted new green-and-gold Hardwood Classic uniforms to honor the franchise’s San Diego days while also retiring the No. 44 jersey of Hall of Fame center Elvin Hayes to the Toyota Center rafters at halftime. Hayes was a star player for the Rockets in both San Diego and Houston.

As for the current team, scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interviews. Houston’s four-game homestand continues Sunday night versus Golden State, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. Central.

Jalen Smith commits to Tennessee

Jalen Smith commits to Tennessee.

2023 linebacker prospect Jalen Smith announced his college commitment Sunday.

Smith committed to Tennessee.

The 6-foot, 213-pound Smith is from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia.

Tennessee has 18 commitments for its 2023 football recruiting class: Quarterback Nico Iamaleava Jr, tight end Ethan Davis, offensive lineman Ayden Bussell, defensive lineman Trevor Duncan, safety Jack Luttrell, edge rusher Nathan Robinson, wide receiver Nate Spillman, edge rusher Caleb Herring, safety Sylvester Smith, linebacker Will Stallings Jr., safety John Slaughter, linebacker Jeremiah Telander, defensive lineman Tyree Weathersby, cornerback Cristian Conyer, wide receiver Cameron Seldon, offensive lineman Shamurad Umarov, edge rusher Chandavian Bradley and Smith.

Tennessee Vols’ football recruiting: Vols’ targets announce July commitment dates

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Clemson ‘at the top’ for fast-rising Georgia LB after weekend visit

The Clemson Insider caught up with a talented Peach State linebacker who made his first trip to Tiger Town this past weekend. Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.) three-star Jalen Smith – a 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior in the class of 2023 – was on …

The Clemson Insider caught up with a talented Peach State linebacker who made his first trip to Tiger Town this past weekend.

Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.) three-star Jalen Smith – a 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior in the class of 2023 – was on campus at Clemson for an unofficial visit Saturday, March 12.

“It was a great experience,” Smith said. “I really had a great time. Me and my dad went. We really enjoyed it. We really enjoyed what Coach Swinney had to say about how he keeps the program in check and really how he continues to maintain success over all these years he’s been there. We really like him as a coach and what he brings to Clemson.”

Prior to this past weekend’s visit, Smith had been recruited by Clemson’s co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Wesley Goodwin.

“I was talking to Coach Goodwin and he just said that I’m a great player,” Smith said. “He loves what I do on film and what I bring to the table. He says I’m a long guy with speed, as well as Coach (Mickey) Conn. I’ve talked with him before. They really like me down there, so we’ll just have to see where it goes.”

While he was on campus, Smith pretty much heard similar things, that the Tigers just like everything he does on film. Clemson is currently evaluating him right now, getting to know him more and continuing to build that relationship before they potentially pull the trigger on an offer.

“They just said that they like to get the right guys, so the process takes a while,” he said of a potential offer. “They just make sure that you’re doing everything the right way.

“It means a lot to me, seeing that they want to get to know me as a person. I feel like that’s the right way to do it, instead of just throwing an offer at someone, not knowing their background and who they are as a person.”

Even without an offer, where would Smith estimate that Clemson stands in his recruitment, especially after this past weekend’s visit?

“Clemson’s at the top after this weekend,” Smith said. “I really enjoyed visiting and seeing what they had to offer. I feel like Clemson, everybody is just very genuine. They always have your back and hold you accountable. It’s just a place that can really make you a man and instill good habits into you.”

Smith’s recruitment has recently started to take off, which he feels is a byproduct of college teams finally getting a hold of his film. Since mid-January, he’s picked up Power Five offers from Mississippi State, Colorado, Tennessee, Duke, Texas, Kansas, Kansas State, Wake Forest, Miami and Southern Cal.

This past season, Smith really exceeded his own expectations. The junior linebacker received the recognition that he had hoped for. He broke school records and earned All-State honors.

He recorded 173 tackles (14.5 for loss) and 10 sacks.

Smith sees himself as a sideline-to-sideline backer, who can make plays in open space. He’s a sure tackler, who is sound in coverage. He’s always looking at the right key to make sure he can key and diagnose every play before it happens. 

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Texas extends four offers to prospects from Grayson High School in Georgia

Texas is hitting the state of Georgia hard on the recruiting trail right now.

The Texas coaching staff is hitting the state of Georgia hard on the recruiting trail right now. Continue reading “Texas extends four offers to prospects from Grayson High School in Georgia”

Tennessee offers 2023 linebacker Jalen Smith

Tennessee offers 2023 linebacker prospect Jalen Smith.

Second-year Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and his coaching staff continue to recruit future Vols.

Tennessee has offered a scholarship to 2023 linebacker prospect Jalen Smith.

“Blessed to receive a offer from University of Tennessee,” Smith said on Twitter.

The 6-foot, 190-pound linebacker is from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia.

Smith has Power Five offers from Tennessee, Boston College, Indiana, LSU, Maryland, Pittsburgh, Purdue and West Virginia.

Tennessee’s 2023 football commitment tracker

Follow us at @VolsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of University of Tennessee athletics. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

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Report: Boston Celtics reached out to Suns’ to trade for Jalen Smith, with Dennis Schroder the likely offer

Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer shares that he believes Boston offered the German floor general for the young big man recently.

There have been rumbles of the Boston Celtics having some trade interest in Phoenix Suns big man Jalen Smith despite the potential limitations there might be on bringing back the Maryland product due to the Suns having declined his team option for next season earlier this year.

There have also been rumbles that the Celtics are looking to move off of veteran backup point guard Dennis Schroder given the team is unlikely to be able to re-sign him due to limits placed on their current contract in the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

So it probably should not surprise one to hear reporting from Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer that he has heard that Boston reached out to Phoenix regarding Smith. He further related that “Dennis would be the clear outgoing piece since their salaries match and Boston is looking to offload him” in a recent appearance on the “Suns Solar Panel” podcast (via Bright Side of the Suns’ Brandon Duenas).

While Duenas isn’t crazy regarding Schroder’s fit, he does note Fischer pointing out that the German guard played one of his best seasons of his career backing up Chris Paul, so there might be something worth exploring there for the Suns.

On Boston’s end, it would provide a little cap relief with Smith earning $1.4 million less than Schroder’s $5.8 million this season as well as a little more competent help in the team’s somewhat thin frontcourt.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Report: Boston Celtics active on trade market, interest in Jeff Green, Jalen Smith

What the Celtics might have in mind here remains unclear.

Trade season has arrived in earnest for the 2021-22 NBA season with less than a month left before the 2022 trade deadline arrives on Feb. 10, and with it come rumbles of what the Boston Celtics have been up to on that front.

Hosts of our sister site’s eponymous podcast, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and Yossi Gozlan recently broke down the intel they have assembled on what is going down on the trade front around the league in a recent episode of the “HoopsHype” podcast, including an intriguing segment on the Celtics. Boston has reportedly been making calls around the league, with a pair of interesting names on the team’s radar.

The duo also discussed a pair of players reportedly in recent trade talks.