Jabari’s switch ability, and his overall defense especially on the perimeter is going to change this team drastically. So many games last year we had plenty of scoring but couldn’t stop anyone. Just imagine Green a year improved, Smith and KPJ hitting open 3s along with Tari and Bari improving the defense.
Love that ish! Will be interesting to see what Smith looks like at 22. Still can't believe they traded BSB and Sam for a near expired Barkley.
Horry was also a great slasher when he came to the league in addition to being a good shooter. I can still remember the game where he had 10 dunks in his second season, I think that year he was top 5 in number of dunks. I don’t really see Smith as a slasher or dunker. He might get one every couple of games but this doesn’t seem to be his strength. Smith reminds me of Eddie Griffin at 18 when he came into the NBA in terms of skill set, being 6’10 and having a similar frame. The similar stats out of college, being a good defender, great shot blocker, above average rebounder, good shooter from 3, able to shoot over nearly anyone, plays more on the perimeter on offense, looks to shoot the fade away when posting up, not really a slasher, not able to backdown defenders, weak dribbler or lacks handles to drive, etc. But Smith has the mindset over Griffin, he does have the confidence to use the skills to the fullest and the attitude to win at all cost. Hopefully he turns into the star many of us thought Eddie could become.
Griffin was not even as switchable as Horry. And Jabari is even more switchable than Horry. No comparison is perfect but Horry and his role will be more similar to Jabari than Eddie Griffin.
We all know Jabari can take 1 or 2 dribbles and get into his shot -- that's the exact limitation being critiqued. I expressed that sentiment in my own big board evaluation (click the spoiler tag). Maybe it's just a matter of semantics, but colloquially speaking, using a choreographed dribble to step into a tough jumper doesn't quality as "creating off the dribble" for me. Spoiler
It's always nice to watch tape of him doing the things that some say he can't. They will still be doubting when he's knocking them down and locking them down. Fun to witness for sure.
If Jabari can develop into a plus level Horry I’d be stoked. Is there a player in the modern NBA with more rings then Horry?
Imagine Big Shot Bob in today's NBA? He possibly played in the wrong era? He would be the prototypical 4 now, long athletic with a 3 ball. Probably tough to ger more rings than he won, but he would have played more minutes in today's NBA I imagine
Eagerly awaiting Rockets media to release a video of him shooting a shot. Hopefully a closeup of his navel with image stabilization turned off as he does so. Then we can debate about his NBA career upon said additional data and truly determine if he's a flop or success.
I hope to see Jabari display the defensive instincts that make me think of a culture setter . I also would like to see some talent on display offensively , including : getting hot from 3 , starting slow and being able to adjust and overcome , some good cuts and finishing at the rim . He’s an interesting physical profile and will need be thoughtful about how he trains . I feel like adding muscle disrupting shooting , if you bulk up too much too quickly then that can often have bad results . he will have to ease into his body . Most remember that these guys are 19 in terms of b-ball experience , but discount that with their bodies sometimes . I’ll read that article with him at C later , but idk who we are playing at PF with him there lol . If Tari Eason is amazing then Smith is probably a better fit . But you don’t have to go for fit those year . Because why play small when you have the ability to play big and give sengun a chance to develop more . plus , Tim ****ing Duncan played powerforward. Yes he could also play center. There is a future competition between Tari and alpi for future frontcourt starting spots . Garuba could come out of left field . if Tari Eason is an sf then I will be kinda surprised.
PG TyTy SG Green SF Tari PF Jabari C Sengun 6th man: KPJ. Plus Gordon (as long as he is here), Tate, Christopher, KMJ, Garry Bird, Garuba, BOBAN I feel like we are going to be a better team than people think.
