Handles. Whatever improvement in handles isn't not closing the gap with Green in self creation because green isn't just more explosive, he's a significantly better ball handler. I doubt Jabari will ever be close to the self creator Green is. That's not his game anyways. He has other routes to being an all-star.
https://theathletic.com/4687340/2023/07/20/jabari-smith-jr-rockets-nba-defense/ It had been nearly six months since Houston drafted Smith, but the disappointment of falling to the No. 3 pick still felt like a fresh wound to him. A natural competitor, Smith had tried to use draft night as fuel, and on some nights it worked. But more often than not, he couldn’t shake the sinking feeling or inconsistency that came with it. Lucas, who spent more time with him than anyone on the team, knew firsthand the negative effect the “chip on the shoulder” complex was having on the teenager. “Jabari had a hard time letting go of being the third pick,” Lucas said. “He was fighting things that were out of his control.” … Examining Smith’s defensive performance as a rookie and parlaying that to future production takes myriad factors — advanced metrics, nuance and, importantly, context. Numbers alone won’t tell the story, especially when intertwined with the Rockets’ fiasco of a 2022-23 season. For example, per Cleaning the Glass, the Rockets gave up nearly four more points with Smith on the floor versus when he was on the bench. That would slot him in the bottom quartile of defenders from last season — 16th percentile to be exact. Now, if Houston as a whole was an elite or even an average defensive unit, Smith’s impact would stick out. But given the Rockets were ineffective on that end of the floor as a unit, there’s more to be explored beyond the surface level. Houston’s top decision-makers have confidence in Smith’s defensive potential. During the course of the 2021-22 season, team scouts and representatives attended Smith’s Auburn games around the country. When they couldn’t view a game in person, they watched film or TV. During group sessions, his tape defending smaller guards was a constant. The Rockets’ draft contingent spoke with coaches of schools Smith played against and the consistent feedback painted the picture of a multi-purpose, multi-positional ball stopper. Not only could he function in a switch-heavy scheme (which new coach Ime Udoka has already started implementing), but also he could contain the action in front of him. When those attributes — along with his elite floor spacing — were combined with his frame, it was easy to see why Smith was touted as the top projected pick for months leading up to the 2022 draft. “It was essentially that he’s got the size of a center,” Stone said of the team’s predraft process. “(He’s) 6-11 with a 7-2 wingspan, very typical center size with a unique ability to move his feet on the perimeter. Particularly in the playoffs when people start switching everything more and more, he projected to be a really interesting big. He has the size to be a rim protector while at the same time can move on the perimeter like someone materially smaller.” At the beginning of Smith’s rookie campaign, the organization was aware of his struggles with the physicality and the timing of the NBA, normal adjustments for teenagers making the jump from the collegiate game to the pros. Sometimes, he would get too handsy and find himself in early foul trouble. Other times, he was slow to closeouts and late to contests — or missed a key rotation altogether. But with each passing game, the bright flashes stood out. The coaching staff continued to trust his versatility and used him in several ways. Per advanced metrics via the Bball Index, his three most common “assignments” were slashers (18.9 percent), secondary ballhandlers (17.9 percent) and primary ballhandlers (11.5 percent), comparable defensive profiles to players such as Draymond Green, Jayson Tatum and Jerami Grant. Position-wise, Smith spent the majority of his minutes defending power forwards (37.0 percent) and split the rest of his time with small forwards (21.2 percent), centers (15.0 percent), shooting guards (14.9 percent) and point guards (11.9 percent). Jabari Smith Jr. Defensive Profile Defensive Metric | Percentile | Grade Role Versatility | 93rd | A Position Versatility | 89th | A Rim Points Saved/75 possessions | 88th | A- Matchup Difficulty | 73rd | B Note: Defensive role versatility includes wing stopper, point-of-attack defender, anchor big, chaser, etc. Defensive position versatility refers to guarding different positions (point guards, small forwards, etc.). Internally, Houston tracked Smith’s individual impact and found after the All-Star break he was much more settled, which had a positive effect on his defense. “I definitely think he got better as the season went on,” Stone said. “To the extent to which he struggled was really with the physicality, which I thought also improved. And also the recognition, which almost all rookies really struggle with. Not when the ball’s in front of you or guarding the ball, but where you’re supposed to be on help, what’s coming, what actions the opposing team is trying to get to.” One game that stood out to the front office was a March home win against the Boston Celtics. The Rockets deployed Smith at center, and he had one of the most complete games of his career — scoring 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting including 5 of 6 from 3. But it was on the defensive end where he really impressed, snagging 11 rebounds, recording a steal and a block and showcasing his full switching capabilities. He held his own whether he was protecting the paint or perimeter. … “That kid’s got a lot of talent and skill,” Warriors forward Draymond Green said. “He communicates on the court. He’s more mature than his years; it’s impressive to see.” Another important nugget in Smith’s growth is the information he downloads from top defenders around the league. Not from simply speaking to them, but also by studying their games. “All of those guys who are just versatile defenders who guard the best wing on every team, who guard the best player on every team sometimes,” Smith said. “So just watching them and how much they take heart in their defense — because those guys are great offensive players as well. It’s easy to focus on one side of the ball and take plays off, but they seem not to do that, so that’s what I focus on.” Throughout the 2022-23 season, The Athletic asked a number of notable defenders for their advice for Smith on reaching their level of production, going from potential to prolific. Here’s what they had to say… Marcus Smart, guard, Memphis Grizzlies (Defensive Player of the Year 2022, three-time All-Defensive First Team, three-time Hustle Award) Keep going. This game is not catered to any defensive player. This game is all catered to the offensive players. Everything they do, they’ll always get the benefit of the doubt and you’re always going to get scrutinized as the defensive player. Just understanding that and continuing to keep going. LeBron James, forward, Los Angeles Lakers (five-time All-Defensive First Team, All-Defensive Second Team, four-time NBA champion) Work. Work. That’s all there is, man. There’s no substitution for work, man. He has a bright future. Mikal Bridges, forward, Brooklyn Nets (All-Defensive First Team 2022) Stay active. Watch film. Know when to be aggressive and when to be solid. A lot of guys in the league are really crafty offensively, getting foul calls and stuff. But just be solid, know when to be a little handsy and reach but be more solid on that end. Sometimes, guys will make tough shots. You just have to let it go over your head and get ready for the next play because you know guys are talented. Jrue Holiday, guard, Milwaukee Bucks (three-time All-Defensive First Team, two-time All-Defensive Second Team, NBA champion) It’s a little bit of everything. Mostly the effort — being able to want to get stops. I think genetically, it’s effort and putting in the time where you know players’ games. Know what they like to do, know their tendencies and from there, maneuver your way around it. Myles Turner, center, Indiana Pacers (two-time NBA blocks leader) Timing is everything and foul trouble is gonna be the biggest thing as a rookie. You’re gonna get a lot of foul trouble, a lot of questionable calls. But you just gotta be able to keep your head, keep your composure and continue to work on your timing and it’s just something that’s natural. Cam Johnson, forward, Brooklyn Nets (fifth-year veteran defender) It’s a continuous process. Pay attention to details. There’s a high level of awareness, whether it’s your position off the ball or how you’re guarding the player in front of you on the ball. There are layers to it. You can’t just guard everybody the exact same way. Understand the person you’re guarding. Royce O’Neale, forward, Brooklyn Nets (seventh-year veteran defender) Watch a lot of film. Try to study guys as much as you can. This league has a lot of great scorers and different guys like doing different things. Learn and watch other guys. Don’t be afraid to ask guys who are defenders how they guard certain people and little tips like that. Draymond Green, forward, Golden State Warriors (four-time All-Defensive First Team, four-time All-Defensive Second Team, four-time NBA champion) I think it’s a will to be great on that side of the ball. Studying and just understanding what opponents want to do. For me, that was my way on the court. That’s what I had to do to become an NBA player essentially. You just gotta study. Watch the game. And it can’t just be full. You gotta watch basketball. When you watch a lot of basketball, you pick up on stuff you’re not even aware that you’re picking up on. Just love and embrace the game.
We won't realize Smith's true defensive potential until he puts on 20 to 30 pounds, he was one of the youngest players in last years draft and won't be physically mature for likely 5 years This teams core is incredibly young, 2 years away from being 2 years away
He was a really good defender last year going by my eye test. I think his on/off numbers suck because we had the worst defenders in the starting line up. We rolled with KPJ, Green, Gordon/KJ and Sengun guarding the 1/2/3/5 spots with 0 accountability from the coaching staff. That's way below NBA standards. The defense was impossible to keep solid and it made our rim protectors look much worse than they really are. Off the bench you at least had Tari, Garuba, Christopher, Tate and KJ trying their best on defense. I think Udoka and his switching scheme will bring out the best in Jabari. A more structured offense and hierarchy will also suit his offensive game. I expect a really good season from him on both sides of the ball.
Jabari had moments but statistically he was the worst defender on the team last year. Showed some great flashes but he was well below average at almost every defensive play type except PNR roll man defense
Yes, hence the context I provided. If everything in the defense is failing behind, to the side and in front of you - and you're an especially young rookie - that's going to happen to the stats. Regardless of the stats, if I'm choosing a defender for my team I'm picking him over Sengun, KJ, Green and KPJ.
I think he seems like he's settled down and is letting the game come to him instead of forcing things and feeling out of sorts. I'm excited to see what his defense is going to look like when paired with guys like FVV and Brooks who truly know what they're doing on that end and can communicate with him properly on switches etc.
Well, currently, I think that goes to Eason still but Jabari should pass him up just based on his age and experience.
Couldn't agree more. Great post. The team defense was awful across the board, including all important rim protection. Jabari is actually going to be the leader of this defense...a perennial All NBA D candidate. Oftentimes, you could see him getting into position to make plays or almost there. He just needs to mature physically, so that hiis body can catch up with his mind out there. Folks are really underestimating him on the offense side too. Kid's going to be an All Star...at miinimum. Look for a big jump from KPjr on the defensive side too...gonna realize that defensve potential under Udoka. But, Jabari... He's going to open many eyes....a MUCH better player than most realize.
Yeah I mean just think about it. The point of attack defender is the first line of defense. The rim protection is a deterrent and last line of defense. As a guy guarding SF/PF, Jabari was dealing with easy leaks/penetration from point of attack and no support from rim protectors. He was the 9th youngest player out of 450 NBA players. At many points he seemed more upset about the defense than the HC. I don't buy the advanced defensive stats at all. Too much noise in them. There's not a player or GM that would see him as the worst defender in our starting lineup last season. It's very clear he was a good defender making rookie mistakes on a mess of a defensive team.
I know it's your thing, but why you blasting? A 19 yr old rook averaging 15/7 with a steal and block in his last 20 games is promising at the very least. And although it was just summer league, he killed and looked much improved all around. Funny take no doubt.
"He was terrible" "He was young so it's okay that he was terrible" How does the second statement refute the first?
Because didn’t say the second statement. You made that up. He said Smith improved the latter half of the year and looked much improved in summer league. Context matters. This is not a difficult concept and I’m not sure why you’re struggling with it.
The fact is that he was terrible last year, on both ends of the court.... when you go with the "but he was x years old" excuse, you are effectively saying "it's okay he was terrible, he was x years old" even if you don't say it like that.
