Jalen Rasheed Smith Bio
Jalen Rasheed Smith is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed “Stix,” he was born on March 16, 2000, in Portsmouth, Virginia, and attended Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Smith played college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins from 2018 to 2020 before entering the 2020 NBA draft, where the Phoenix Suns selected him with the 10th overall pick. During his rookie season, he reached the NBA Finals with the Suns. He later played for the Indiana Pacers before joining the Chicago Bulls in 2024 on a three-year, $27 million contract.
Early Life and Background
Smith was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Charles Smith, a retired Navy Chief, and Orletha Smith. Growing up in the Baltimore area, he attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, where he developed into one of the top high school prospects in the country. As a senior, he averaged 22.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game, earning him the Gatorade Maryland Boys Basketball Player of the Year award twice, in 2017 and 2018.
Smith was also named to the prestigious 2018 McDonald’s All-American team, further establishing his reputation as a highly talented prospect. He was ranked among the top 25 prospects of the 2018 recruiting class by Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN, and was recognized as one of the top prospects at his position by all three scouting services.
Path to Professional Basketball
Before committing to college, Smith received interest from several major programs, including Villanova and Virginia. He ultimately chose to play for the University of Maryland, signing his National Letter of Intent on November 8, 2017, after verbally committing in June of that year. His decision to join the Maryland Terrapins marked the beginning of his journey toward professional basketball.
During his freshman season at Maryland, Smith made an immediate impact, averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. He showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, recording 19 points and 12 rebounds in a 79-77 win over Belmont in the Round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament. His collegiate career was highlighted by consistent improvement and defensive prowess that would define his NBA game.
Jalen Rasheed Smith Career
College Career (2018-2020)
Smith’s sophomore season in 2019-20 proved to be his breakout year. On December 4, 2019, he recorded his first double-double with 15 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in a 72-51 win against Notre Dame. Less than two months later, on January 21, 2020, he scored a career-high 25 points and added 11 rebounds in a comeback 77-66 victory over Northwestern.
At the conclusion of the regular season, Smith received major recognition from the Big Ten conference. He was named to the First-team All-Big Ten by both coaches and media, earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Defensive Team, and was selected to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. Nationally, he earned Third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, The Sporting News, the USBWA, and the NABC. For the season, he averaged 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game before declaring for the 2020 NBA draft.
Phoenix Suns (2020-2022)
Smith was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft. The Suns announced his signing on November 24, 2020, officially beginning his professional career. During his rookie season, the Suns experienced tremendous success, advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1993.
While Smith appeared in only eight games during the regular season, his role expanded as the team progressed through the playoffs. On February 15, 2021, he was assigned to the Agua Caliente Clippers of the NBA G League due to the team’s success, but he was recalled less than two weeks later on February 26. The Suns’ season ended with a six-game Finals loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, giving Smith valuable playoff experience despite limited minutes.
Indiana Pacers (2022-2024)
On February 10, 2022, Smith’s tenure with Phoenix ended when he was traded to the Indiana Pacers along with a future second-round draft pick in exchange for Torrey Craig. Less than five months later, on July 1, 2022, he re-signed with the Pacers on a two-year, $9.6 million contract. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle announced that Smith would be a starter and described him as an important part of the team’s future.
Smith’s first full season with Indiana showcased his developing game. On November 18, 2022, he posted a career-high 18 rebounds to go along with 10 points and 3 blocks in a win over the Houston Rockets. Less than two weeks later, on November 27, he recorded a career-high 23 points on 8-of-14 shooting, adding 9 rebounds in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers. His versatility allowed him to move in and out of the starting lineup throughout the 2022-23 season.
For the 2023-24 season, Smith transitioned to the backup center role behind Myles Turner. On November 8, 2023, he recorded his first double-double of the season with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, shooting 5-of-8 from the field in a victory over the Utah Jazz.
Chicago Bulls Era (2024-Present)
On July 8, 2024, Smith signed with the Chicago Bulls on a three-year, $27 million contract, joining his current team for the 2024-25 season. During his first season with Chicago, he appeared in 64 games, including two starts, averaging 8.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game.
For the 2025-26 season, Smith’s role expanded significantly. He appeared in 53 games with 21 starts, posting improved averages of 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. However, his season was cut short when he was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign on March 26, 2026, due to a right calf injury. The 2025-26 season represented his most consistent playing time with the Bulls and demonstrated his ability to contribute as a starter when called upon.
Playing Style and Strengths
Smith primarily plays the center and power forward positions, standing 6 feet 8 inches tall. His game is built around rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficient scoring near the basket. Throughout his career, he has shown the ability to record double-digit rebound games and protect the rim. His collegiate career established him as a strong defender, earning him Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors. In the NBA, he has developed into a reliable role player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his most significant career milestones, Smith’s appearance in the 2021 NBA Finals during his rookie season stands out as a defining moment. His career-high 18 rebounds against Houston in 2022 and 23-point performance against the Clippers later that season highlighted his potential as an interior force. His 2024 signing with Chicago marked a new chapter, establishing him as a core piece of the Bulls’ frontcourt rotation with a multi-year contract that reflected the team’s investment in his development.
Jalen Rasheed Smith Career Highlights
Throughout his college and professional career, Smith has accumulated notable achievements at both the collegiate and NBA levels. His college honors include Third-team All-American recognition, First-team All-Big Ten selection, Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors, and Big Ten All-Freshman team selection. At the high school level, he earned McDonald’s All-American status and was a two-time Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year.
NBA Career Highlights
In the NBA, Smith’s most notable achievement remains his appearance in the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns during his rookie season. While his statistical impact was limited in that playoff run, the experience of competing at the highest level provided invaluable learning opportunities. His most productive NBA season came with the Pacers in 2022-23, where he regularly posted double-digit scoring and rebounding games. With the Bulls, he has continued to develop as a reliable contributor off the bench and occasional starter.
College and Amateur Achievements
Before turning professional, Smith established himself as one of the top players in Maryland basketball history. His sophomore season statistics of 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game demonstrated his two-way capabilities. His performance during the 2019-20 NCAA Tournament, including a 19-point, 12-rebound game against Belmont, showcased his ability to elevate his play in crucial moments. His high school career at Mount Saint Joseph, where he averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds as a senior, laid the foundation for his subsequent success.
Jalen Rasheed Smith Family
Family Background
Smith was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Charles Smith and Orletha Smith. His father, Charles, served as a retired Navy Chief, providing Smith with a strong military family background. This upbringing contributed to his discipline and work ethic that he has carried throughout his basketball career.
Personal Life
Throughout his basketball career, Smith has maintained a focused approach to his development. During his time at Maryland, he earned the nickname “Stix” among teammates and fans. After bulking up for the 2019-20 season, head coach Mark Turgeon began referring to him as “Logs,” reflecting his increased physical presence. These nicknames have followed him through his professional career, with “Stix” remaining the most commonly used moniker. Smith continues to work on expanding his game and establishing himself as a consistent NBA contributor.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marked Smith’s second full season with the Chicago Bulls and represented a significant opportunity for increased playing time. Entering the season with a multi-year contract, Smith aimed to establish himself as a reliable option in the Bulls’ frontcourt rotation. His improved scoring average of 10.2 points per game reflected his continued development as an offensive contributor.
Smith appeared in 53 games during the 2025-26 season, with 21 of those appearances coming as starts. This represented a significant increase in starting opportunities compared to his first season with the team. His averages of 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists demonstrated his ability to provide production in multiple statistical categories. His rebounding ability remained a strength, consistently giving the Bulls second-chance opportunities and defensive stops.
However, the season was unfortunately cut short when Smith was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign on March 26, 2026, due to a right calf injury. The injury occurred at a time when he was playing some of his most consistent basketball of the season. Looking ahead, Smith is expected to make a full recovery and continue his progression with the Bulls, where he remains under contract through the 2026-27 season as a key part of the team’s frontcourt plans.