To me how much does it really matter? Everyone liked the pick when it was made, at least the vast majority, and most NBA teams would have also went with Smith unless they already had a star or young 4 playing that spot. All the Rockets could do was draft the best player they could in their spot and with the draft that was before them. No one was making any serious claim that someone other than Jabari should have been drafted so if his ceiling is elite role player then you take it.
If Jabari really becomes 6'10 Mikal Bridges then it doesn't matter at all what rank he is because contenders will lineup to get him. I don't ever see Jabari being a ball dominant player to build around, but if he can fix his shot, bulk up and improve his defense, he is useful on any team in the league without needing the ball in his hands
And off-ball players can still be #2 options on championship teams if they're good enough (see: GSW). I agree he won't be the leading scorer, superstar-type of player on a contender, but there's definitely a ceiling there to be in a bunch of all-star games and be a great player in the league for a long time if he puts it all together. Even his floor is still a really nice roleplayer to have on your team, I think.
Jabari was an excellent pick at #3, and the right pick anybody acting like we should’ve taken any of the other realistic options at 3 like Ivey, the pseudo-PG that can’t shoot, or 4 year college player Keegan instead are full of sh*t
Is SirJabari draft eligible? We need to corner this market. Edit: he would be one of the older guys on our team.
