Former Maryland basketball star Jalen Smith, who the Phoenix Suns drafted No. 10 overall, has been assigned to the G League.
Smith will play for the Agua Caliente Clippers, the affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers. At the NBA level, Smith has made little impact so far. The 6-foot-10 forward missed time between December and January after he tested positive for the coronavirus and dealt with an ankle injury. Plus, several Suns players have recently returned from injury, dropping Smith lower in the rotation.
Smith has played in eight games for a total of 50 minutes, averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. He shot 35.3% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range.
Smith was a key piece in the Terrapins’ 2019-20 regular season Big Ten title. He averaged 15.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore, and he earned first team All-Big Ten honors. The Baltimore native was the only player in the country to record at least 60 blocks and 30 3-pointers.
The Suns are 17-9 this season and are in the midst of a six-game winning streak.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.