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[2022 NBA Draft/1-3] Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by J.R., Jun 23, 2022.

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Do you like the selection of Jabari Smith?

Poll closed Jun 23, 2023.
  1. YES

    89.7%
  2. NO

    10.3%
  1. Mathloom

    Mathloom Shameless Optimist

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    People don't understand how much of a unicorn Jabari really is. Since 1982, the top 3 shooters who have won a DPOY award are Kawhi Leonard, Sydney Moncrief and Michael Jordan who was not a good 3pt shooter. In fact Kawhi is the only excellent shooter on the entire list. Practically any player on the list is or would be a superstar if they could hit the 3.

    It's extremely rare to be a great defender and an elite shooter at the same time. It's especially rare for that person to be able to guard the interior and perimeter. Can Jabari compete for best NBA's best 3pt shooter and ALL NBA 1st team defense in a couple of years? I wouldn't bet against it.

    Will be interesting to see how his interior game develops. Great practice partner in Sengun and hopefully they get him in the gym with Hakeem for a few workouts. If you add a basic post game and some muscle, Jabari could be a C in the future. His rebounding and shotblocking are very good, his development under the basket has surprised me. Something to keep an eye on.
     
  2. chenjy9

    chenjy9 Numbers Don't Lie
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    Jordan was actually a good 3pt shooter, he just didn’t like shooting them as he felt doing so made him less effective as a scorer.
     
  3. Mathloom

    Mathloom Shameless Optimist

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    He never shot well by today's standards. I wouldn't bet against him doing it if he wanted to, but he didn't. Under 33% for his career.

    More importantly, I'm certain Jabari will finish his career a better shooter than him.
     
  4. DrNuegebauer

    DrNuegebauer Member

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    I dunno man... 32.7% from 3 for his career isn't exactly Chef Curry level


    **he was a product of his time. The 3 point shot wasn't as much of a thing back then. I have little doubt MJ would have shot well from 3 if he played today. But then again, LeBron isn't 40% from 3 and yet still wildly effective
     
  5. pippendagimp

    pippendagimp Member

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    jordan’s line drive shot was very effective for midrange but not ideal from longer distances
     
  6. sealclubber1016

    Supporting Member

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    His defense and shooting are as advertised. Never had much doubt about either, but it helps to have it reaffirmed in games like this. When the Rockets put a proper unit around him he's gonna be a monster defensive weapon.

    The only red flag that remains is finishing in traffic. He struggled in college, and he's been bad in the NBA so far, but he's shown signs. Hopefully with confidence and strength he gets better.

    Don't give a damn about his handles, doesn't need them to be a superstar, but he absolutely will need to be a stronger finisher.
     
    Believe It!, Mathloom and Easy like this.
  7. Icehouse

    Icehouse Member

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    Loving the D but still not a fan of the brick fests.
     
  8. mfastx

    mfastx Member

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    Lmao, was this a reenactment of the famous 2K clip?
     
    Bo6, i3artow i3aller, Roomba and 2 others like this.
  9. Rudyc281

    Rudyc281 Member

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  10. Bo6

    Bo6 Member

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    Jabari may let @D-rock forget about Mobley.. which is possibly the highest compliment you could bestow.
     
    D-rock, Easy, Believe It! and 5 others like this.
  11. cheke64

    cheke64 Member

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    I hate when people say they don't care about the handles. Putting the ball down and laying it up is the easiest skill to acquire. He adds that and he's top 10.
     
    conquistador#11 likes this.
  12. Mathloom

    Mathloom Shameless Optimist

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    Really amazed by this performance. Jalen and Jabari love big games, it's a great sign.

    His teammates are showing more confidence in him and I'm sure we're going to start running more plays for him by mid season. Developing at an excellent pace.
     
  13. Losmi_34

    Losmi_34 Member

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    It's an underrated subplot of our rebuilding, but one that is vital. If they continue playing with this kind of intensity when the games get meaningful, We will go far.

    I really, really like how they responded to adversity so far, and I'm excited to see them go to war on the biggest stage eventually.

    Jabari responded great after the first wave of Gianni's dunking and flexing, and made sure he was quiet the rest of the way. He's showing a fire which, I atleast, didn't know he had in him. As he fills out his frame and polishes his skills, I wouldn't be the slightest bit surprised if he becomes the leader of this group.
     
  14. red5rocket

    red5rocket Member

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  15. apollo33

    apollo33 Member

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    Oh my someone call the national weather service..
     
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  16. MorningZippo

    MorningZippo Member

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    If Jabari can be a 40% 3 point shooter that's also in the 100/100 club AND has good on ball defense, that's a massive success. He's definitely starting to play as advertised recently.
     
  17. HTownTmac1

    HTownTmac1 Member

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    What famous clip ?! Now I’m curious hahaha
     
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  18. mario_v

    mario_v Member

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    Skip to 2:40 for Eric Gordon.
     
  19. i3artow i3aller

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    D-rock, Corrosion and Xerobull like this.
  20. Dr of Dunk

    Dr of Dunk Clutch Crew

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    You know Eric is country because that's about the only time you're going to hear the word "boom" with about 5 syllables in it.
     
    i3artow i3aller likes this.

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