Just leaving this here (I started this thread with just Alpi and Tari, but am expanding it to include Amen). Both Alpi and Tari together on the court this season (total of 168 possessions): +20 (99th percentile) Both off the court this season (total of 96 possessions): -30 (0th percentile) That's a 50 point swing in on/off data. Yeah I know, small sample size lol, but still - look at the two previous years: Last year, it was +12.8 with both on the court (97th percentile) vs. +1.9 (62nd percentile) with both off the court. The year before, with a trash, tanking team around them and Silas as coach, +3.9 (76th percentile) with both on the court vs. -14.5 (4th percentile) with both off the court. Note: In that season, they were +27 (96th percentile) in 159 possessions with KPJ, Jalen, KMart (and Tari at the 4) vs. -3.1 in 127 possessions (33rd percentile) when you swapped out KMart for Jabari (and Tari at the 3). So, every year since Tari entered the league, when Alpi and Tari were together on the court, we were WINNING - even during the tanking year under Silas. And I would argue the data indicates that Tari should play the 4 and should replace Bari, not Brooks. I can show more on that later.
Maybe Taris game meshes well with the 2nd unit. I dont see any other reason why he isn't starting over Jabari.
Just wait and see. It's way too premature to say how this team will end up. I believe there will be other surprises during the season. This squad is a box of chocolates.
My guess is it's a combination of pedigree, potential, measurements, and it's got something to do with the front office. Surely Ime is smart enough to see that Tari is more important for winning games today. But if Jabari turns into what the FO thought Jabari was supposed to be, as a number 3 overall pick, I think that's the guy they prefer. I think they just haven't given up on Jabari yet. But it is very clear to anyone watching that Tari impacts winning a lot more than Bari does right now. EDIT: Also once you bench Jabari that's a nail in the coffin. This FO picked him at #3. You're admitting that you screwed up bad on the pick and you're telling Jabari that you're giving up on him. So I think that decision can't be made lightly. At some point the tough decision will have to be made, but we should acknowledge that it's tough and not as simple as "Tari is better, get him in there."
Why can't he just start over brooks? If brooks throws a hissy fit about it (i assume he would) just dump him, he's irrelevant long term
Ehh...Brooks is really good for us, at least so far this season. And Bari has been really bad. It would be really weird and look bad if you benched a good player and left the bad player in. Plus I'm trying to make the team better, not worse, lol. So I don't like benching Brooks.
For the record the metrics say brooks and jabari have been about the same (jabari a little better), if you believe in that stuff.
Good Lord you need to shut up with this mess. Brooks literally has the best on off numbers of the starters. He was +20 tonight. By doubling down you just look foolish.
All I care about is winning a championship long term as a genuine Houston Rockets fan. I want our guys to succeed, not a player only fan, but if these guys impact winning the most I'm all for it. They looked great tonight
And neither should you trade Alpi - ever. These three are the core of the core. In 2 years, Reed will make it a big four. If Jalen becomes consistent, maybe we have a big five.
Dude Jabari Smith Jr is shooting 26% from the three point line and Fred is shooting 28%. Thats the comment.
