Category-by-category for 2026-27, using per-game projections scored against the draftable pool. This one is close. Jalen Smith grades out marginally ahead on total 9-cat value, but the gap is inside the noise of a projection, so take the one who fits your build.
| Category | Deandre Ayton | Jalen Smith | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 9.4 | 9.5 | Even |
| Rebounds | 6.9 | 6.4 | Deandre Ayton by 0.22 |
| Assists | 0.9 | 1.3 | Jalen Smith by 0.23 |
| Steals | 0.5 | 0.6 | Even |
| Blocks | 0.7 | 0.8 | Even |
| Threes made | 0.0 | 1.3 | Jalen Smith by 1.30 |
| Field goal percentage | 0.620 | 0.471 | Deandre Ayton by 1.60 |
| Free throw percentage | 0.676 | 0.787 | Jalen Smith by 0.47 |
| Turnovers | 1.1 | 1.3 | Deandre Ayton by 0.37 |
| Total 9-cat value | -3.99 | -3.98 | Jalen Smith |
| Overall rank | 203 | 202 | |
| Status | Available | Available |
Full profiles: Deandre Ayton and Jalen Smith. To compare any other players, or to see who actually plays tonight, use Start or Sit.
This one is close. Jalen Smith grades out marginally ahead on total 9-cat value, but the gap is inside the noise of a projection, so take the one who fits your build.
Per-game projections for 2026-27 converted to z-scores against the draftable pool, one per category, then totalled. A positive z means above the pool average in that category. No editorial judgement is applied.
Not necessarily. This page is 9-cat. Points leagues ignore the percentage categories and treat turnovers differently, which usually favours high-usage scorers. Switch format on the rankings page to see the other view.
Projections already carry an expected minutes load, but they cannot price a player who is ruled out. Current status is shown beside each name, so check it before acting.