Feels like a loaded question, but I'll play along. Yes I think he's shown improvement as a player even when I know looking at stat sheets doesnt support that when taking into account his position switch and the responsibilities that come with that and what is necessary from a team leader. Now for my question to you -- did you happen to watch KPJ's media day interview? Would you say he sounds more like a MAN now who has worked through some personal demons and is ready to become the best version of himself? Will that help him become a better player?
Yes. In fact, I am very happy to hear what he said. He did sound much more mature. And that bode well. So is it hard to imagine Jabari the 19-year old kid will be much better and mature when he is 22? We are not talking about prime. We are talking about breaking out as a star. Let me pull out the breakout season of some of the top players in recent history: Dirk 3rd season, age 22 Kobe 4th season, age 21 CP3 3rd season, age 22 LeBron 2nd season, age 20 Durant 2nd season, age 20 Curry 4th season, age 24 Harden 4th season, age 23 Kawhi 5th season, age 24 Giannis 4th season, age 22 Jokic 4th season, age 23 Luka 2nd season, age 20 Morant 3rd season, age 22 You see. Most great players show their greatness in around their 4th season at age around 22. (There are two cases I thought too special to be listed. 1. Nash is a late bloomer and his trajectory is very untypical. 2. Embiid's career was interrupted by injuries. It's hard to gauge how he would progress if he was healthy.) LeBron, Durant, and Luka are the only exceptionally early bloomers. Even these guys could not really be called great in their rookie season, even though you could clearly see the potential there. To write off Jabari of his ever being a star before he has played a single real NBA game is premature to say the least. And for KPJ, this season is his 4th at age 22. If he really has star talent, he should be showing it by the end of this season.
If he is so hardworking and hungry, why is dribbling such a weakness, It's something that most top players pick up fairly easy. I don't doubt he is hardworking and that fact is why the dribbling issue is so scary, why has he not worked on it? Let's just agree to disagree, I don't think you can be considered elite on offense if you can't create your own shot or finish at the rim at a high level. Nothing wrong with being a glorified Role player, it's what Wiggins was this year, and he was the key to a championship. The reason I keep harping on this weakness is there has never been a player who has been this weak dribbling wise that has gone on to become a plus at creating their own shot or being so bad at the rim. I hope he proves me wrong, but history says different.
Dude all of those guys could create their own shots at a high or competent level when they came into the NBA, It's about much more than age. The closest comp might be Leonard, but he had more handle and could finish at an above average level. Everybody else is on another planet than Smith.
Can you show me anybody that said he can't overcome his weakness? Can I show you numerous of guys who never overcame their weaknesses? I mean history is actually saying that it's likely he will not overcome his weaknesses, but even then nobody is saying he can't.
Dude absolutely NOBODY is writing off Jabari Smith! Please stop creating faux reasons to be upset its not healthy for you! I might be convinced to say Jabari has EVEN MORE raw talent than KPJ when he was 19 and in 3 years would be in an even better professional place, but apply some context. Think laterally. Jabari came from a good home, solid parents and foundation. Dad was an ex NBA player. Not too many stressors and self inflicted mistakes because of a lack of positive role models. Read up on KPJs history and then think about why its taken him longer. Conversely, while I can get carried away in my fandom and HOPING KPJ pulls through in sharing a similar background, there is no guarantee that he will be a star - nobody knows. Thats where being a FANATIC comes into play. The way some of you guys have drug and slandered KPJ has been abhorrent and in your very own logic we should expect KPJ to break through this year. Things are starting well for that cause and still we need to sling monkey sht at each other and for what? We should want ALL our players to be great.
Not true. There definitely were a few people saying he wouldn't ever be a star due to a lack of handles and was doomed to be a role player.
Then hold those comments accountable there is a search function. Highlight them so that you can see that a few shouldnt represent the all. Having concerns doesnt constitute hate. Why cant this team learn how to play together and grow great chemistry and each reach equal levels of independent success in order for all of us to enjoy team success? These absolute lines in the sand are dumb. Dont get tricked by a handful of gremlins here that go around trying to intentionally sow discord.
I like Jabari. Just want him to put the ball on the floor a little more and not be 1 dimensional on offense
It's fair to say that we all get carried away by our fandom--some more than others. And I can tell you how selective people are in supporting certain players but dismissing others by totally different standards. Often time they don't even know they are doing it. I actually share your sympathy about KPJ's background. I have said more than once that if he could pull through and be a good NBA player, it would be an inspiring success story and I hope this story happens with the Rockets. But from an objective point of view for the good of the team, I do not share your (and a few other KPJ enthusiasts) push for a big long term extension right now. The risk is just too great for the good of the team. NBA teams are not charitable organizations helping troubled kids. They are a business and they are there to win. We fans are team fans first, not play-only fans, although we do have favorite players within the team.
And if KPJ leaves another game at halftime or gets caught with weed and guns I support immediately terminating him. He knows he's been given a new lease on life and is finally becoming appreciative of that. Nothing that he's demonstrated from the end of last season to today from work ethic to the ability to express himself maturely says we should expect an implosion. edit: Well weed is legal in some states now and NBA doesnt test for it so maybe that was a bad example but you understand the gist. edit 2: I've always pushed for a VALUE deal with KPJ with 15Ms per season being the amount I've pushed all offseason just for reference. That figure does nothing to cap space or roster construct, but for whatever reason some guys just dont think he deserves it and would rather bank on his failure.
Gotcha. Because clearly I'm crazy for thinking that all 19 yr olds still can potentially grow.... Did you notice who never responded to my take? Wonder why.
Dont feel left out - jump into the deep end with the rest of us! https://bbs.clutchfans.net/search/74824850/?q=jabari+smith&o=relevance&c[node]=9&c[user][0]=38786 Which one of these did you interpret as "19 year old Jabari Smith is done growing"
Hey you looking for me? I am still here. He cant create his own shot and cant finish in traffic. That's a fact. I know he can shoot, and he plays good D. Isnt that a 3&D guy? Does it worth the 3rd pick to draft a 3&D guy?
