Rockets sign Jabari Smith Jr. to 5-year, $122M extension

Among the stats that were listed as below average. I'd rate JSJ as slightly above average overall. Reed has played better than him this season (though in a slump currently). Adams, too, though Adams is behind Sengun.

 

Among players averaging 30+ mpg, Bari is second in NetRtg (second on the team to Amen), 12th in defensive rating (second again to Amen), and seventh in offensive rating (first on the team). But sure, he’s “average.”

 

I think playing on a good team pushes his counting stats down. For example, if he played on a bad rebounding team, his rpg would likely be above average. His ppg would be higher if he was the second or third option on a bad team.

My concern is his efficiency. Being the fourth option, he should be able to take good shots. But his 3p% and TS% has not improved much since his second season. He needs to be able to hit those open shots with more reliability.

I'm a big Jabari fan. I was looking forward to a break out season after having traded Green and Brooks. So far, the break out has not happened yet.

 

I think we have to start accepting this is who Jabari is. There is never going to be a "break out" in his career to another level.

He's a 45/35 guy with length that comes in handy sometimes on defense, rebounds and blocking a shot every now and then. After finally coming to grips with his limitations last season, my main disappointment in him now is 3-point shooting. He still gets an unusual amount of "line up the seams" 3s and should hit at least 40% of them.

 

Someone on here earlier this year said Jabari will NEVER average 15ppg, he is at 15.4ppg 7-8 months after that comment. A lot of hate for a guy who has steadily made progress and only 22 years old. This is also a team that is prioritizing KD, Sengun, Amen, and now even Reed. If Jabari were on another team I think he would be averaging 20ppg by now.

 

With his strong bond to KD and ongoing improvement in all areas, I think the extension was well worth it. JSj is only going to get better, and you can't teach his height and length along with his unique skill set. His ceiling is incredibly high...and a reminder if who received an extension of value and who has yet to sign...

Speaking of desirable contracts, I never thought interest around a Holiday would happen as soon as this holiday season. What a dependable player in our rotation...

I'm sitting down with some good whiskey for the cold, hoping the Spurs dismantle the Thunder. I may have more disgust towards SGA than most, but my fatigue from seeing guys get whistled for fouls for breathing within 4 feet of him is becoming unbearable. I get that he's the league darling, but I don't view him with the same "superstar shades" that most do. He's a great player, and his style of play is a different degree of ugly. Not Jokic post-game ugly, but offensive -flopping ugly. /Rant

Shout out to Hartenstein though!

Much love to you and yours.

 

I don't know, yeah the foul calling is a bit extreme, but an extremely skinny, elastic, rubbery and skilled guy......I kind of like that Superhero....extremely hard worker.

If he was not a rival and I was a kid, dude is pretty relatable. Canadian, you know, he apologizes.

People hate the guy that is the largest threat.....so it is all normal.

 

I continue to be pleased with Bari’s improvement. His defense has taken a leap every year and I’ve noticed he’s playing his best defense so far this season. My hope is that he finishes the season around 38% efficiency from 3pt. The dribbling has improved but it’s still not good. It’s never gonna be a strong suit; his passing as well. But give me a 6’11” guy who plays high level defense and shoots in the high 30’s and I’ll show u an extremely valuable player. That’s Bari’s floor. At 22 I’m convinced we haven’t seen the best of Bari yet. The contract extension was a no-Brainer at $24 mil per.

 

I don’t really look at the stats near as much as y’all do. So I’m sure there’s some legitimacy to his true shooting percentage and all that jazz.

that being said, I just go off of watching the games and I see a much improved player. And I also think that he is young enough to continue to improve. And as cod, man said I think that Durant being around, helps him a lot.

He seems to have made strides in a lot of different offensive areas. Generally the rebounding in the defense are good. I would love for him to put on a few more pounds and eventually us look at smaller lineups with him at center.

we just have a very versatile roster. I’m excited to see where he’s at in a year or two. But I also think he is already a productive and plus person for us. if I am choosing between him or Tori at similar dollar amounts I’m definitely choosing Smith.

 

Yea I don’t know. I’m thankful for the posts from an ears perspective. But I do not agree with a lot of his basketball takes (including the Jabari “with a lot of upside” take - though I agree his contract is a fine deal)

I’m with you regarding SGA, that I respect SGA as a truly kind and remarkable person, and the way he reads the game and the ability to decel and get bs buckets. I wish he played for my team (the same way harden did). It only sucks that he plays for the f***** Thunder.

 

I doubt Jabari will ever live up to the expectations that many have for a #3 pick - but I think he's solid and is improving every year...

 

You've got me there...SGA is definitely a good human. His stats warrant an aura of arrogance and he treats people well. Thanks for posting that vid of him signing all that gear with a smile. Those are great reminders of athletes who represent the good in humanity on and off the court.

I'll never forget a game where Rockets "legend" Christian Wood ignored a ton of kids trying to get a signature or any sign of acknowledgment. He walked past the majority of them before being heard saying " annoying mafu+++s." But, karma certainly has hit back with his lack of contracts and the legal drama stemming from his epic drinking habits.

I really enjoy watching stars from rival teams, but guys like SGA, Embid, AD and Jamal Murray (etc...) are obnoxious for me. Then again , people hate how Luka plays, but I watch him every chance I can ( I think he's the most talented offensive player in the league ....arguably that the league will ever see.)

The spurs may pull off the upset if the refs don't call phantom fouls in favor of Vegas odds...

 

How sad for us, he's just a 22 year old 6'11 guy with excellent lateral quickness who plays excellent defense, rebounds well and has an incredibly promising jumper. Has started for a #2 seed once (soon to be twice).

The melodrama is so silly. "Oh we just have to accept he's mediocre what to do" lol.

 

The Spurs are a threat to anyone ...... maybe Houston and OKC should still beat them in a 7 Game series but they are a handful and very soon probably NBA Champions themselves, much sooner than later.

 

I can’t remember a tougher time to be a contender in the west. Hou, Okc and SAS are set up for years to come. There are gonna be so many epic battles ahead.

 

I’m of the opinion that we’ve been misusing Bari since day one. He’s been cast in a role as a catch and shoot player and my impression is that has been his weakness. He’s been incredible in his career on post ups at the elbow and great at rhythm 3’s in transition. I believe he should be getting ~10 post ups per game.

 

Maybe the time when there was that GSW dynasty? That we kept losing to?

 

Yeah, but Curry's team was not elite until he was 24-25.....

These teams are already elite at 22-23 year old players......they keep on getting younger.

 

SGA is 27 years old