The Nets need size. Jabari Smith is 6-11 and carries a small, non-guaranteed price tag. So both sides figured this might work out.

Smith, after three pro-seasons in Sacramento (with a brief tour of Philadelphia), hopes to latch on with the Nets. Don’t think “savior,” think “serviceable body.” Actually, “serviceable big body.” The Nets like what they’ve seen, even if Smith himself admits he’s not quite certain what he has shown.

“It’s been a slow process. It’s tough to determine if I’m having a good camp or not,” said the center/forward, a 2000 product of LSU. “I’m looking for improvement and just trying to find my niche on the team. Hopefully, I can stay.”

As a free agent, Smith looked around and decided his two options were to return to the Kings and maybe be an end-of-bench ornament again or go to the Nets and maybe find some playing time. He considered the expansion Charlotte Bobcats, but they didn’t consider him, so he was left with Sacramento or the Nets.

Even if he lands a spot with the Nets and winds up as a designated injury list guy with a chronically sore whatchamacallit, Smith prefers New Jersey to Sacramento.

“Fresh start. I just needed a new opportunity,” Smith admitted.

The Kings’ system is similar to the Nets so Smith, who has shown some offensive skill, was able to grasp things easier than most. Wearing Jayson Williams’ old No. 55, he played in three of the Nets’ first four exhibition games, averaging 5.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 13.0 minutes.

“He has good basketball instincts,” coach Lawrence Frank said. “He understands passing, he understands pivoting, has good feeling. He shoots it well with range.”

And he’s 6-11.