ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Magic - Vegas Summer League 7/7/2022

I see so many ppl saying this but don't get the reason at all.

Paolo looked like a borderline all-star for the NBA if you watched his NCAA tapes, can score in any way imaginable on offense and playmake better than most point guards in the league.
Yes his defense isn't the best, but there are a lot of 1st and 2nd options/all-stars in the league that aren't elite defenders, and he has all the physical tools to become better at it.

He's just so far ahead of Jabari when it comes to having a wide array of efficient tools to always get a shot off or set someone up, improving his defense really is much easier than developing a toolbag that Jabari atm doesn't have.

Why exactly is Jabari a higher floor than Paolo, when he can't create for himself seemingly (even in NCAA the vast majority of his shots were highly contested and he couldn't create space), needs to develop in far more aspects than Paolo and also have the right system and teammates around him?

 

This is really good to hear. Makes me feel better about other games. He probably gonna have to smack a bish

 

because its easier to live with such a view

 

This team needs to learn how to pass the ball, period.

 

This team needs to learn each other’s names.

 

I saw a recent picture of Garuba and he’s looking pretty doughy. Nix was also looking out of shape. These are very young guys whose metabolism hasn’t started slowing down yet..they should be in much better shape. Did the Rockets not keep up with their diets? Where’s the discipline? I’m not expecting Miami Heats 5% body fat mandate but I expect more from prospects hungry to solidify their spot in the league. Rockets culture needs a overhaul because their is no real organization on and off the court. Silas is a big part of that in my opinion. He sounds like he hardly talked to most of the players over the summer in interviews I’ve heard. He seems to just be content having a head coaching gig and along for the ride but not driving.

 

I hate the magic man. All that talk of paolo for us and it gets snatched away at the last second. I really wonder what the price was to move up and get paolo but from that article it looks like the magic would have rebuffed all offers

 

i think this is going to be just like jalen last year in that the coaching will be reluctant to run any sets for the rookie. it makes more sense now why Jabari's camp was not too keen on Houston and he would thrive in a more GSW oriented system (ala off-ball movement).

paolo looked the part. tari and tyty both looked like they could be rotation players in the league one day. nix and JC were god awful.

 

It was all ESPN lip service to keep fans interested. There was 1a and 1b, and then a very clear drop off, and the entire NBA knew it.

He's a 6'10 3 point killer with serviceable to potentially great defense. We did the right thing, he was clearly the highest expected value left at 3. It just sucks the ping pong balls didn't fall differently.

 

No doubt, you can start that by hey what’s your name? Here’s the ball

 

I think it's very clear that Christopher is not a point guard. He played way better for us last season than he did in that summer league game. I still think he's a good player, I just think his role is not of the person initiating the offense.

 

I think JC is a great instant offense type of guy, but man he has some tunnel vision. 4 guys in the paint? Shiiiittt, I got this

 

Because I feel like Jabari could be a starter as a role player today on a contending team. It's a big reason why Chris Bosh was so appealing as a player earlier on. He at very least has the abilities and style of play to come in and contribute to winning. Yes he could put up allstar numbers as the 1A or 1B, but the skillset and abilities they both have translate in so many ways where I could see him just being an anchor for a team in the way Bosh was for Miami, but he also has potential in the next couple years to be putting up Bosh/Toronto numbers too as he expands his game, but it's Bosh/Miami where I think his value will be around the league in 10 years.

I also think that the Rockets blueprint is going to rely on free agency more than Orlando will have the ability to do. So a free agent in 23 or 24 will see a ton of value in having a big man that they'll see can help them more. I think Paolo looks like he's going to be great, but I think he's a better fit for what Orlando needs now and in the near future vs what I think the Rockets are trying to build, and prepare to build.

 

Some people have great court vision and know how to make plays for others, some don't. It is what it is. He still has plenty of useful skills, I just think he's more likely to play at the 2 guard than the 1.

 

First game. Not concerned at all. But was not impressed with Smith. :/ but again; one SL game means nothing. Just like Chet’s first good game followed by a dude. But 3 points? 3 boards and 2 Assists?

also, what did they play? 10 min halves? Turned it on a few min late and there was 6 min left in first. Did the same after half time and there was again only 6 min left.

 

Paolo got hot against rookies. It means nothing. He wont be taking these kind of shots against NBA competition. What i liked is Jabari taking shots that will be always avaible fot him. You can see his dad was in the NBA and knew what to teach him. Hes the type of guy that with Jalen/Sengun gravity will EAT. And fits defensively. Banchero would eat too but would demand too much ball and defensively wouldnt be a good fit. Jabari is best for the rockets

 

And to defend/rebound. Will the players take this as an embarrassment? Sit out JC, if he doesn’t make plays.

 

Hard to compare apples to apples when Paolo is showcased in his offense, but Jabari can go long stretches without getting actions for him. The real concern is this looking really similar to our offense last season. Hope they don't make us wait until game 75 to start calling plays for a top 3 pick.

Having said that, they looked like completely different players in many ways, and some of those are not positive for the team.