The warts that worried me about Paolo have popped up in these games, namely poor shooting/spacing, average rebounding and playmaking that isn’t as elite as advertised. He has been more active defensively and actually using his size on that end; I think it’s clear he’ll be at least an average defender if in the right situation. It’s just two games in summer league, but, so far I’m happier with Jabari’s outlook than Paolo’s. When the shooting comes around, his archetype just affects winning more.
Comments like the OP’s and this one here is typical of this clueless board. Always amazed at the lack of bball knowledge of many posters here. Jabrari Smith was an absolute steal at #3!!! When his career is done he won’t be compared to Aldridge, but more likely to a three-point shooting Scottie Pippen. I don’t know anybody in their right mind who wouldn’t take Pippen at #3. This is the perfect player to pair with Jalen Green (our poor man’s version of MJ).
A better shooting Pippen is pretty close to his ceiling. Yes, he could reach that, but we shouldn't be expecting that outcome yet.
Eww. The best thing I can say about Pippen is that at least he never played for the Rockets.... and anyone who says otherwise is dead wrong.
You talk about people being clueless posters and then compare Jabari to Pippen, who had a totally different skillset and game? Did you ever even watch a full game of the Bulls?
I hope one day we can get to a point of having discussions of different opinions without attacking the people we disagree with.
I don't know because he hasn't started his career. Did you think Clint Capela was going to be a starting NBA player when he started? The kid could barely run without falling down when he was a rookie. Making any judgements off of 2 summer league games is, as I already said, dumb. Instead of just watching and enjoying a little summer basketball, you've already put it into your head that he's not going to be a Hall of Fame level player so therefore it's a bust. He absolutely can be a 20-25/10/3 player. Might take a couple of years. If you don't have that kind of patience, you're always going to be disappointed.
Great points. I do agree that there was no sure thing after Paolo left the board and we took the best prospect available, but everyone you mentioned outside of Curry and Giannis were viewed as franchise-changing picks on draft night.
Bro WHAT? A better shooting top 50 player of all-time (making his ceiling the equivalent of a top 10-20 all-time player)??? For as much as I can’t get with any of the negative overreaction there’s something to be said for equal opportunity absurdity on both sides.
I think you misunderstand my point. Yes, Jabari could be the third of a big 3, bringing defense, hustle, and a three-ball. Much like a Shane Battier/Trevor Ariza mold. While this is needed on every team, I don't think anyone here is drafting Shane Battier or Trevor Ariza at number 3 overall in any draft and similar (lesser but similar) talent could have been gotten from free agency for cheap. Regardless, we got the BPA. I'm behind him 100%.
In his freshman year in college Murray was a 7 and 5 player (plus half a assist) that shot 30% from three. He developed. That what young players do. And that’s what I expect from Smith.
All this Quitten talk is making me nauseous. I don't think people are quite appreciating the calibre of shooter we've drafted. When it's all said and done, Jabari will be among the top 10 all time in 3pters made. It's not just that he's a shooter, he's en route to legendary status there. If it makes everyone feel better though, Klay Thompson is the 2nd or 3rd best player in a dynasty. Jabari Smith is at minimum Klay Thompson with a 7'1 wingspan. True we are not the Warriors, but also Klay Thompson isn't 6'10 with a 7'1 wingspan. Jabari will more than likely end up a better player than Klay Thompson. I would gladly draft a Klay Thompson at #3. You have to be an extreme pessimist to see it as bad luck to draft Jabari at #3. To have a guy who can drop 20-25, does his rebounding, manageable ego, play amazing dynamic defense and never need to eat up usage is so amazing. If we had that guy in his prime next to Harden instead of Chris f*cking Paul, we'd have a 3rd title. I hated watching us put player after player next to Harden and all of them needed the ball or became a shell of their former selves. Right now we're sitting on gold. Our two best playmakers are going to be Sengun and Green, both of them unselfish. It's perfect for us, though I bet Jabari's game will change a lot as he adds muscle and starts bullying people.
Great points. Jabari has a great shooting form and his shots were not really way off. Once he settles down and is more relaxed playing watch out for his scoring explosion during the regular season. He is already showing that he will be a force to reckon with in all facets of the game and that cannot be said of Banchero. I think, based on the first 2 games, although early, that Jabari will be a much better overall basketball player than all the other players in this past draft. He just needs to relax and enjoy the game.
Im not basing it off 2 games I am basing it off his skill set. This is from scouting reports, draft analysis, videos i’ve seen, and the summer games further support what has been cited in those reports and my assessment of him. Its about skillset and how this translates into a professional game. He does not handle well, does not take people off dribble, doesn’t take ball full court and doesn’t finish well in the paint. This is why people have compared him to rashard lewis who barely avg Less than 20 his whole career. Like it or not i’m simply talking about Realistic expectations I say again. What are fans like you expecting? For me I don’t expect all star or first team etc. and that’s my opinion and I have a right to it much as you who may think differently. And using your logic about prediction or forecasting much of what is written on this site is about projections and forecasts based on the opinions and analysis of fans like you and I. You yourself just made a prediction but at least back it up with why you think so instead of calling me dumb.
I see Smith as kind of a 6'10-6'11 mash-up version of Trevor Ariza and Klay Thompson with more leadership potential than either of them. That's a super valuable player that I think most people would be thrilled to get at any point in the draft.
To all the folks who are judging our draft picks by 2 summer league games (and ignoring everything but shooting percentage): If your erection lasts 4 seconds or less, call your doctor.
Damn man, we are already having knee jerk reactions for a kid who just turned 19! But I trust the majority of our fanbase will keep supporting Jabari as he has the tools to be special for us. I also don't expect him to take 15-20 shots a night in a team with Jalem Green, KPJ, Sengun, Gordon, Eason, etc. But I believe he can bring high defensive intensity every game, which we lack the most, and hit some of his shots. In fact I'm fine if he took a year of development..as it will be perfect for our tanking for a high pick in the loaded 2023 draft.
That's a reason why I want Tari to start regardless of his ugly shot. The starting 5 with those 2 dudes defensive intensity and defensive quarterback abilities with be such a godsend. You'll have 3 good shooters to make up for Sengun and Eason. Even though Tari may be around 34%
