Would you rather have Jabari or Mobley in 2026-2030?

Jabari Smith
.461 FG%
.382 3PT

Paolo Banchero
.432 FG%
.225 3PT

Evan Mobley
.495 FG%
.342%

 

There is a full two year age gap, and Mobley is being paid more than twice as much, that should be enough. Jabari has improved each year and his stats are getting close to Mobley.

 

If we're only judging both players by what they did in the Rockets vs Cavaliers matchup on 12/27/2025 then give me Bari. If we're judging either guy based on how they've generally played basketball up to this point in their careers, Mobley is a much better player.

 

Jabari, please and thanks.

 

I was Mobley over Green. Then I was fine with Green. With Green gone, don't care.

Oh, we’re talking about Bari? Bari has been quite consistent. And for whatever reason, he’s consistently hit the late, critical 3-point shot, so that’s a big plus.

 

Jabari

 

I mean if we had Mobley, we could cash in more on a trade!

My vote is for Jabari, and it's purely due to value. We need good role players on good contracts with Tari, Amen, and Reed monies coming up.

 

I like this take. Mobley up to this point is a lot better overall player than Bari. I don't even agree with Bari's contract being a clearly better value. If I was starting a roster from scratch or was in a situation like the Nets, Kings, Wizards, or other hopeless teams with the ability to clear space I'd still rather have Mobley's contract going from $46 to $61 than Bari's going from $23 to $27.

But for this roster Mobley's contract just won't work without making offsetting moves that would make the team worse. A homer-adjusted way to look at this question of whose deal is a better value is would you rather have Bari through 2030 on his current deal or Amen on a max or close to it.

 

Why do some Rockets fans continue to bring up Mobley? Why are we so obsessed with the guy? It’s like not getting into your dream school or letting that girl walk away for some of you. Stop this. Unhealthy. Let’s be happy that we have Jabari.

 

My error

 

Banchero, Chet, Jabari all had struggles so far......despite Banchero being nominated as All Star......

Jabari has improved but his improvements are in the realms from being a sophomore role player to being a super role player, not huge.

Banchero has struggled with his efficiency ever since but he gets double teamed much more than Jabari, so it is a whole new level.
I believe strongly that all 3 would have decent to good careers.

 

ESPN has Jabari at 37.6% from 3 this season. I agree it should be higher considering how many of them are uncontested.

 

sorry, was looking at the wrong stat. I apologize

 

basketball references has him at 38.2%. I was looking at the wrong stat. If he finishes the season at 38% or above I’m happy.

 

Would you rather have 2 time all-star/ all defense/DPOY or

guy who will never do any of that?

Easy question.

Everything else is just cope. Not like it matters it's not as if the Rockets can trade them for each other or drafted one over the other.

 

Who would you rather have -

Wardell Stephen Curry II 38% from 3 @$55m or


Isaiah Reed Sheppard 42% @$10m

 

Mobley is being paid like a franchise superstar, Jabari is being paid like an elite role player. You have to factor that you could get an additional player for that salary gap between the two and add that to the production of Jabari when comparing him to Mobley cuz thats the reality.

You cant just look at playing ability the money matters too, arguably even more so than talent.

 

Steph Curry is an actual superstar and is the offensive engine.

He is different from Mobley who cant create his own offense.