Obvious answers are Jalen Williams and Keegan Murray. I realize both were considered “lower potential” but both have proven to be more talented and ready to contribute. We probably could have traded the 3 for a lower pick and additional assets instead of taking Jabari, whose ceiling is a role player at best. Due to Jabari being the consensus pick at 3 (regardless of how wrong that estimation was), we could have even picked him and then continued negotiations to trade him as the draft progressed.
I agree that Jalen Williams should have been picked at #3. But Keegan Murray was not a better player than Jabari Smith in their second season. Jabari had a terrible rookie season, at least partly because of bad coaching and toxic team culture. But he bounced back nicely in his second and looks to still be improving. Keegan flatlined, even regressed slightly, in his second season.
Very true. Not only the actual development, but how much he is aware of his body and how motivated he is to improve. that’s why I put no ceiling on him and expect him to improve on every end. And also why I am disappointed when he says he doesn’t want to take 5 threes a game. Because if he puts his mind to it, he’ll probably do it.
I've seen enough. Sengun must be traded and the 3rd pick used on anyone who is 7'3. Porzingis has shown us midget Sengun cannot play C.
The sneakiest thing about Alperen Sengun’s development is how ridiculous his physical transformations have been since he was 15-16 years old. He is already good, but I will not count out another physical leap from Alperen in terms of strength, quickness and endurance. First season as a full-time starting C playing 30+ minutes a night. I think he now knows what it takes… Udoka is going to be on his ass. Fun time to be a Houston fan. I am very excited to see Jabari and Jalen make physical leaps too. Jabari in particular has all kinds of physical talent to unlock in the weight room.
The best part is the 21 pts on 15 shots. That's a star leap. Could have been a superstar leap with just 77% from the line. For the haters, just look at your favorite superstar's third year and you will something like 25 points on 20 Fgs.
Haters only compare with peak superstars because Sengun crushes all in age or years in the league comparisons.
He is also more than 2 full years younger than Jalen Williams, so I would not be surprised to see that draft class redraft order change in the coming years.
21 years old: 21-9-5 on 54-30-69 22 years old: 24-10-6 on 55-33-75 Do you know what 24-10-6 smells like at 22?
