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Jabari Smith Jr. is the Rockets' franchise player

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Houston77, Jul 7, 2023.

  1. StrawberryJamm

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    50 years olds and 12 year olds love Jabari.

    The old dudes don’t think you need that many fast coordinated athletes that can do everything to win rings.

    The kids just pretend he is one.
     
  2. JayGoogle

    JayGoogle Member

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    I think people need to realize that this team is still developing players.

    Yes, Jabari would be a lot more efficient if he just played D, got boards, and only shot open shots. 1000%

    But Jabari, Reed, Amen, Tari, Sengun, these players are still VERY young, they are still a young team. So we still need them to challenge themselves, to get out of their comfort zone, and for Bari that means working on his handle.

    It means for Amen that he has to take 3 point shots although its bad for the offense, they are telling him to shoot that shot because the hope is he becomes a better shooter and goes to another level.

    The hope with Jabari is he becomes a better ball handler and go to another level.

    For both Amen and Jabari it's unlikely, lets be honest. It's far more likely Amen's shot is always broken and its far more likely Jabari never has a cross over...but even without them they are good players.
     
    #2742 JayGoogle, Dec 26, 2025 at 7:07 PM
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2025 at 7:17 PM
  3. OremLK

    OremLK Member

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    Absolutely. You don't tell a couple of top 4 lottery picks to stop trying to improve aspects of their game while they're still on their rookie contracts. (Jabari has signed an extension but it hasn't kicked in.) That would just be silly.

    We actually have a recent example of Jabari's archetype making big strides in his mid-20s, by the way. From age 20-24, Lauri Markkanen averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds on 44% / 36% shooting. (Sound familiar?) Since then, he has averaged 24 points and 8 rebounds on 47% / 38% shooting.

    As you said, it's unlikely Jabari makes that kind of leap. For every example like Lauri or Deni Avdija that does suddenly figure it out, there are several examples like DeAndre Hunter who just kind of are what they are by age 23 or so. But as long as there's a reasonable chance, even if it's only like 1 in 5 or whatever, you keep on developing your players and letting them try things on the court.
     
  4. Arnel

    Arnel Member

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    100% percent
     
    OremLK likes this.
  5. Joe Joe

    Joe Joe Go Stros!
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    Agree, but the Rockets also have a great team and need to balance development with preparing for the playoffs. In addition, developing some players means others get less time.
     
    JayGoogle likes this.
  6. Hemingway

    Hemingway Member

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    Well said. I don’t agree with the unlikely part, but this is the jest of what the Rockets are trying to accomplish. If Amen and/or Jabari don’t make the next step then we are still waiting for the guy to put us over the top. I don’t agree with those that say we have to go for it all now, because of the Durant trade and the limited time frame he will be here. We are much more likely to win a championship if Amen specifically takes the step to superstardom than we are with a 37 year old Durant.
     
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  7. Aruba77

    Aruba77 Member

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    My view of Bari largely reflects his long range shooting efficiency because I recognize his limitations athletically and with his handles. Apparently he’s shooting 38.2% from 3 so far this season. When I watch him he seems to brick a lot of shots, but you can’t argue with the stats. As long as Bari is shooting high 30’s or above and playing above average defense I’m satisfied.
     
    Plowman likes this.
  8. bustamove

    bustamove Member

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    if he's shooting high 30s from behind the arc then he/Ime/his teammates should figure out how to up the volume
     
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  9. DrNuegebauer

    DrNuegebauer Member

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    They have...

    He is getting up almost 25% more 3s than last year.
     
  10. the11mingdynasty

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    We have no lives. What else do you expect us to do.
     
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  11. A_3PO

    A_3PO Member

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    Jabari doesn't run around and shoot 3s off screens like a lot of players. He's purely a catch-and-shoot guy when it comes to 3s. He's no better than Tari or someone like DFS. This limits the number of shots he can get.

    I don't agree the offense should try and create more 3s for Jabari because he's too easy to guard. It would waste time during possessions. He gets shots (mostly wide-open looks) when the defense collapses on other guys and he's an outlet from that pressure.
     
  12. GTO

    GTO Member

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    Dude has made 50% out of 12 attempts last 2 games, and the next thing people gonna complain is how he takes 3 point shots.
     
  13. BMoney

    BMoney Member

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    Don't forget that confirmation bias means people are reluctant to let go of their opinions, no matter what is happening.
     
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  14. A_3PO

    A_3PO Member

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    This is false. Everyone wants Jabari to take catch-and-shoot 3s and stop doing the dumb stuff. It's really that simple. The games where he shoots well do not hide his dumb decisions and people will continue calling him out about them. Jabari can improve himself so much just by NOT doing the same 2-3 dumb things, which should simple.

    The one time I question him shooting 3s is when he's early down the court and shoots a pullup 3 with no other Rocket in sight. According to my "eye test", he's about 25% on those.
     
    LosPollosHermanos likes this.
  15. LosPollosHermanos

    LosPollosHermanos Clutch Crew
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    This.

    If he's open...I want jabari to take those shots

    The games where he tries to be KD with defenders on him or dribble through a bunch of people really **** us.

    I think him trying to imitate KD is the wrong move. Very different frame and players, KD has basically played like a 2 his whole career. He needs watch lamarcus aldridge.
     
    A_3PO likes this.
  16. yixiixiy

    yixiixiy Member

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    This game tells you what 0-dribble bari can be.


    HIM
     
    LosPollosHermanos likes this.
  17. zeeshan2

    zeeshan2 Member

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  18. Easy

    Easy Boban Only Fan
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    He did hit a few shots off the dribble.
     
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  19. DreamShook

    DreamShook Member

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    people really dont think Bari could anchor an NBA offense when Paolo exists.

     
    Arnel likes this.
  20. BIGThirsty

    BIGThirsty Member

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    Dude just needs to hit 3s and face up middies over shorter players - profit
     

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