Jalen Smith Bio
Jalen Rasheed Smith is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed “Stix,” he plays the center and power forward positions. Smith was picked 10th overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns and reached the NBA Finals during his rookie season.
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Smith starred at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland, before spending two seasons with the Maryland Terrapins. Across stops with the Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls, he has built a reputation as a rebounding and shot-blocking big man.
Early Life and Background
Jalen Rasheed Smith was born on March 16, 2000, in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Charles and Orletha Smith. His father, Charles, is a retired Navy Chief, which shaped a disciplined upbringing for the young athlete. Smith later moved to Maryland, where he attended Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore.
At Mount Saint Joseph, Smith developed into one of the top high school big men in the country. As a senior, he averaged 22.2 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game. He was twice named the Gatorade Maryland Boys Basketball Player of the Year and earned a spot on the 2018 McDonald’s All-American team. Major recruiting services such as Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN ranked him among the top 25 prospects in the 2018 class.
Path to Basketball
Smith signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Maryland on November 8, 2017, choosing the Terrapins over programs such as Villanova and Virginia. He quickly became a key piece of the frontcourt, averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game as a freshman. He earned a place on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team for that 2018–19 season.
In his sophomore year, Smith elevated his production and his profile. He posted a career-high 25 points in a January 2020 win over Northwestern and recorded 16 rebounds against Notre Dame earlier in the season. He was named First-Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team, along with Third-Team All-American honors from the Associated Press and The Sporting News. After two college seasons, Smith declared for the 2020 NBA draft.
Jalen Smith Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Smith was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 10th pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft. He signed his first professional contract on November 24, 2020, and settled into a reserve role on a Suns team that quickly emerged as a Western Conference contender. The early phase of his career offered a front-row view of championship-level basketball.
In February 2021, Smith was assigned to the Agua Caliente Clippers of the NBA G League for additional playing time, and he was recalled eleven days later. He finished his rookie year by reaching the NBA Finals, though Phoenix was defeated in six games by the Milwaukee Bucks. The experience gave Smith a foundation for the years ahead.
Indiana Pacers Breakthrough (2022–2024)
On February 10, 2022, Smith was traded to the Indiana Pacers along with a future second-round draft pick in exchange for Torrey Craig. He re-signed with Indiana in July 2022 on a two-year deal worth $9.6 million, and head coach Rick Carlisle announced plans for Smith to start. He responded with a career-high 18 rebounds in a win over the Houston Rockets in November 2022, followed by a career-high 23 points against the Los Angeles Clippers later that month.
Smith moved between the starting lineup and a bench role throughout the 2022–23 season. Going into 2023–24, he earned the backup center job behind Myles Turner, and on November 8, 2023, he recorded his first double-double of the year with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block against the Utah Jazz.
Chicago Bulls Era (2024–Present)
On July 8, 2024, Smith signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. In his first season in Chicago, he appeared in 64 games, including two starts, and averaged 8.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist. He provided frontcourt depth and consistent rebounding off the bench.
During the 2025–26 season, Smith appeared in 53 games, including 21 starts, and averaged 10.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. On March 26, 2026, Smith was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a right calf injury. He is expected to return in time for the next campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
Smith earns most of his value on the glass and at the rim, where his length and timing make him a reliable rebounder and rim protector. He has steadily added strength since college, which has allowed him to hold position in the post and finish through contact. Defensive versatility and a developing face-up game remain central to his role in Chicago.
Notable Events and Milestones
The high point of Smith’s career so far came during his rookie year, when he reached the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns. He has also recorded a career-high 23 points against the Los Angeles Clippers and matched a personal best with 18 rebounds versus the Houston Rockets. Reaching the league as a top-ten pick in 2020 stands as another defining milestone.
Jalen Smith Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Smith was raised by his parents, Charles and Orletha Smith, in Portsmouth, Virginia. His father, Charles, is a retired Navy Chief, and the family later settled in the Baltimore area while Jalen attended high school. In college, Smith went by the nickname “Stix” before head coach Mark Turgeon began calling him “Logs” after he bulked up for the 2019–20 season.
2025 Season Performance
Smith’s 2025–26 season with the Chicago Bulls marked a step forward in production. He set new personal bests in scoring, rebounding, and assists, while also making 21 starts across 53 appearances. He served as a key frontcourt option alongside the team’s other big men.
The campaign was cut short on March 26, 2026, when Smith was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a right calf injury. The Bulls will look for a healthy return from Smith as they plan for the seasons ahead under his three-year contract, which runs through 2027.
