It's just such a different team since Jabari Smith remembered about a week or two ago that he actually does know how to shoot a basketball. Him being godawful nearly the entire season made the tank possible, but I'm excited for the future if he continues to be the guy we thought we were getting.
Ice in his veins. Just had to shake off those rookie nerves. This kid is going to have a great career. If he keeps working hard, the sky's the limit.
If Trevor had that same kind of dog in him that Jabari does, I think game 6 and 7 might have gone differently. But alas… And I’m saying this as a big fan of Ariza
Jabari in his rookie year is already better than Trevor Ariza ever was at creating his own shot at worst Jabari will be 1 of the most valuable big men in the NBA
Also already better at rebounding and shotblocking. I mean a Trevor Ariza who is taller, better at rebounding and blocking shots, better at creating his own shot... this is starting to not sound like Trevor Ariza at all. Starting to sound more like, IDK, a prime Serge Ibaka or something.
Serge is an interesting comp but that would be Smith’s barest of floors IMO. I think he settles in between a prime Rashard Lewis with elite D and Bosh. Absolute ceiling is an all NBA defender Dirk. Basically a first ballot HOFer. No pressure.