I love Jabari and think he will be a very good player, but this is a very strong statement to make. LaMarcus was a 7 time all star and made All-NBA 5 times. You're telling me he's "at least" this level with better defense and a 3 point shot? Sign me up! You don't think they're also different players? Aldridge was a 4/5 with a 7'5 wingspan and much more advanced back to the basket game. Jabari is the modern 3/4 with elite defense and 3 point shot, while his back to the basket game is limited (not that it matters much).
I see him as mainly a 3 and D player. Playing the role that Tucker and Ariza played. And I’m fine with that. If he becomes more than that, then that’s even better.
If it's a super version of that like Shawn Marion then not bad. I think Smith will eventually be a "rich man's" Trevor Ariza.
This. These Tucker, Ariza, Marion comparisons are weak. What have y'all been watching? A 3&D Aldridge is not too far off. LA had a nice pull up.
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id...y-coaches-scouts-execs-watching-ahead-2022-23 4. Who will be the best rookie in five years? Paolo Banchero: 6 votes Chet Holmgren: 6 votes Jaden Ivey: 2 votes Keegan Murray: 1 vote After plenty of pre-draft debate about how the top three picks would play out, two of the choices at the top of the draft -- Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren -- split 12 of the 15 votes here. The other -- Houston's Jabari Smith Jr. -- didn't receive one. Banchero received a late push to catch Holmgren atop this poll over the past few days in the wake of Holmgren's being ruled out for the season with a foot injury last week. Banchero, the top overall pick by Orlando, had an impressive summer league debut. Voters noted they were drawn to his ready-made NBA frame and his ability to immediately compete from both a strength and skill standpoint. "I don't think it will be empty minutes," a West scout said of Banchero's first season in Orlando. "He will be able to play the role this year that in five years he will be playing, because his body is developed enough. He's what people are looking for: length, size, athleticism. "So, when you bring all that together, he's most transferable from now to five years." Holmgren, meanwhile, was praised by panelists for his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, which gave him the edge over the rest of his rookie class. "He can shoot, he can pass, he plays both ends, he's a dedicated worker, he's freakishly long," an East scout said. "He's going to have ample opportunities to shine." Picking up two votes was Detroit guard Jaden Ivey, the fifth pick in the 2022 draft. "It's a guard league. He's going to be on a good, young team with a lot of young, good guys around him," an East executive said. "I think he's got a chance to be really good [with] a great platform to build off."
Can't argue with it. Jabari projects as a great role player, but lacks key skills to be considered a true potential star. That's ok. Still can't believe how badly Orlando played us.
Aldridge was one of the last truly elite back to the basket post players. Jabari doesn't have that type of game at all. Maybe he can develop it. There is no shame in a 3rd pick overall being a better version of Ariza(taller, more athletic, better defender, elite shooter who can occasionally generate own offense).
Smith has none of the footwork Aldridge had in the post, he was much more than a turnaround jump shooter in the post and he was much better at the rim. Ya'll need to put some respect on Aldridge's name.
And a much prettier jump shot. Not sure why Jabari is compared to Marion other than defense. Marion's shot is one of the ugliest, and not that accurate at that other than one outlier seasons. I hope Jabari will be a much better shooter than Marion.
No doubt, but Tucker, Ariza and Marion weren't tall, athletic, great defenders with elite shooting skills that can also generate their own offense.
