Honestly the way KPJ and JG been jelling we don’t need another big man like Chet nor a ball dominant SF PF like Paolo we need Jabari to keep spacing the floor and playing great defense on the perimeter. Getting out in transition we really might just be the showtime rockets
Slightly leaning towards Chet now. The Rockets could use the elite level defense and rebounding. As a matter of fact, they need it.
I trust that the staff could get him to that point in time. I can see his rebounding and blocks being a factor early on.
Would be easier for Jabari given his size is already made for the NBA. Chet is 25 lbs lighter than Mobley.
I like the versatility of Jabari as the potential top pick for the rockets. It wouldn’t preclude us from drafting another big because he has the versatility to play the 4 or the 3, and he can defend both spots at a high level. Also allows us to play Sengun minutes at the 4 if we finally get a legit rim protecting 5.
Chet is a lot longer and they’re similar level athletes. Length means more on defense and rebounding than weight does
Jabari with his athleticism could be in the argument IF (huge if) he could at the very least take ONE dribble towards the rim routinely. He can’t even do that. College KD blows by defenders with crazy amount of moves. Deep bag just watch how fluid he is when getting to the rim. KD even had a defensive win share of 4.1 which is more than Jabari and even Chet for that matter. KD also attempted 6 three pointers per game making 40% and 82% FT - 16 years ago! KD is the unicorn because there will only be 1 it’s not fair to compare anyone to him.
Back in high school I had this friend tell me KD was not going to be good in the NBA. I still rib him about it to this day as a disclaimer before he gives a basketball opinion
Having a KD is nice but this years draft isn't going to produce one. I would rather have a borderline all star potential that is consistent and fills in the gaps we need. You are comparing this years draft to a first ballot hall of famer. Smith is what the team needs, I hope we can snag him.
HAve you watched Chet play at all? His weight is a problem for sure, but not even close to the hyperbole in your metaphor above. He plays above his weight at the moment. If he adds any weight and strength - and dont get me wrong, even with roid use i dont anticipate a Giannis transformation but Giannis was only 190 his rookie year also, so i expect SOME transformation - he will be more than fine. NVM that his natural position is likely NOT center in the NBA. He's a 4/3. Regardless of the strength of the draft overall, ultimately the goal should be to pick the BEST player available at your spot, especially at the top. Jabari is one of the hardest to predict of the top ones for me because often times his game looks basically like a tall spot up shooter. In this regard he reminds me a lot of JJJ - hopefully the better version. The Grizzlies probably arent dissapointed in JJJ at this point, but thats ENTIRELY because they ended up with Ja (and the rest of their picks) the next year. Imagine they missed on Ja, and had taken JJJ instead of Trae. Don't get me wrong, a better JJJ is STILL very very solid. AND... there is a case to be made, for sure, that Jabari is much better than that at his peak. Add post moves, a better shooter, maybe even finally figuring out how to dribble drive. But there's no question to me, if UPSIDE is what you are going for, Chet has way more upside. Cause his upside is that legit 4/3 that can create for himself and others, while defensively being Rudy Gobert esque. He has the best college defensive stats of almost anyone ive seen in 3 decades. Defensively literally the only negative is his weight and if it will translate.
it really depends on how good of a shooter Jabari is. If you're telling me he's the next Klay Thompson I could get on board. Klay is not known for his handles or rim finishing ability but I watched that man destroy us too many times for me to know that it isn't entirely necessary.
I was referring to "potential." College doesn't absolutely predict pro success. Smith "reminds" me of KD. Nobody is KD but KD.
The best theoretical version of a Jalen, Sengun, and Chet core is absolutely tantalizing with how they can fit together. Take the HR swing for sure.
