The only think that does not exist is the 6'11 part and that is not that important it's the wing span that is and you got several guys who fit the bill like Myles Bridges and others. It's very theoretical that Smith can credibly guard 4 positions, so we really need to tap the brakes on that being a strength until we see otherwise. This has been my problem with Smith since the beginning, he has always been valued as his best self and not what he can actually do, and 3 point shooting is one of the most volatile things to project or skills in most players.
What the heck does Tyreke Evans have to do with this? Evans was a a bit of a tweener size wise, Paola can do everything Evans did and more at 6'10 with a huge frame and Paolo has much higher BBIQ. There is no way Smith had or has more upside he will never be the playmaker or scorer Paolo will be and as of yet he is not this defensive demon he has not shown he can even guard 4's at great rate let alone. I am not saying the book is done with Smith, but no need for Paolo to be catching strays when he is clearly the superior prospect and would probably be the best player on this team with KPJ and Green. Tyreke Evans? Wut?
Bridges and Smith have the same wingspan so it does not matter if he is 6'11 or not. And Deandre Hunter has a 7'2 wingspan so 6'11 matters even little. We also don't know if Smith is actually good at D because he has never been asked to guard guys like NBA wings on the perimeter.
ooops how so? the media hype was telling me for the entire last year hes a second coming of lebron minus handles
Huh? Nobody compared Jabari to Lebron at all. Rashard Lewis with D or Barnes with shooting instead of handles are the comps. But he isnt the same caliber of player as Barnes cuz apparently he is soft as ****. Crazy how a guy that big and long cant even tough it out on the court to grab rebs and shoot fts.
So are we supposed to be happy that he will always have "value" how does this work when he wants that 2nd contract? Is he going to be paid as not a complete flop or a guy that was picked in. the top 3? These are the questions I have and they impact the future of the franchise, starting on whom the next pick should be.
thanx forgive me i was just being metaphorical... i dont even read or watch college players... its just that the impression i got from the media talk i caught while passing by was jabari smith is like nba universe altering basketball god and the only vice he has is lack of handles... lol
dont give me that now...and i werent saying that literally..it was a hyperbole... they were praising him to high heaven youd think the guys walking without touching the ground....the HYPE WAS MONSTROUS!
Unfortunately the Rockets would hold onto him if he just stays the projected 14-18 ppg guy. Rebounding doesn't seem to be the problem, it's his lack of offensive arsenal. I wouldn't give him a large contract though.
People get so worked up when you use comparables. I was just making a point about drafting for rookie of the year vs drafting for higher upside years down the road. Paolo does have higher upside that Tyreke Evans though for sure but I do believe he is more NBA ready than Jabari. Although Jabari if he would have been drafted by a contending team would have looked like a stud. Paolo is going to look better on a bad team early on though because he’s better suited to be a scorer now. I wouldn’t worry about it though. I think both players will be good to all stars. I still prefer Jabari but I did say that if we would have landed Paolo that fans would be happier sooner cause I know how it is around here. Part of me kind of wants that now too though and wishes we would have got him just to give the team a boost but have to believe in the long game.
@Clutch really believed in Jabari, so I am inclined to trust @Clutch's judgment - I'm sure Jabari will improve. If he becomes as good as Rashard Lewis/Robert Horry on offense, but with much better defense than Rashard, then I will be satisfied. Remember, he is still very young.
I agree hype on him was unreal. He also knew how to play up his brand as a no nonsense frsnchise player, even tatooed forever humble on his chest and wore an office style suit with necktie on draft day. I had him no 1 by a mile. Thats why its disappointing to see him play now, throws a fit when he doesnt get the ball, charmin soft play and I cant even call him an elite defensive player sinc ehr hssnt be locking people up. His 2 calling cards were shooting and defense and 1 is horrendous and the other one is meh.
