Jabari never had it. He has glimpses with shot going in, long arms … so it’s impossible to block, but he’s pretty dumb on defense and very weak. Now let’s ask this question for the hundredth time, who’s going to have a better career…. Jabari or Thaddeus Young? Thad trade Jabari in a package with brooks so you get some disgruntled 2nd tier forward. Get out of brooks contract and over with Jabari.
I'm as disappointed in Jabari's growth as some others in here but he's not going anywhere. Even as a 3 and D Ariza type, he's more than serviceable. Rockets biggest issue is that they don't have that wing/combo guard star prospect yet to pair with Sengun.
Jabari hasn't looked good in the preseason. That's fine and not a big deal. I think he looked a lot better in his second year than his first year. He is probably destined as 3rd (or 4th) best scorer on a team and that seems okay. To me his is an above average defender, will be an above average 3 point shooter this year, and is a player who doesn't need the ball to be effective. He's a bit passive but we're on a team where that is needed. Alpi, Jalen, Fred? all need the ball and shots. If one is content with Jabari being a 16-18 ppg scorer then I think he'll be just fine. Alpi will get 20+, Jalen will get around 20, and then there's not enough shots for Bari to average 20 as well. Also, this is his third year, this is where he can make the leap. Let's find out. Also, we had a really good defense last year. He has to get a lot of credit for that. (I do wish he blocked more shots but that's not his game.)
Bari just basically need to dumb his shot selection to 3 pointers, offensive put backs here and there, being a roller here and there. Grab like 8-9 boards, play tough defense that's it. Anything else he will be detrimental on offense.
I didn't say compare as in stats per se but he has to go against them real soon.....it creates competition and Media will run with those that hit the ground running. They call it peers. I remember Harden being compared to Lebron, CP3...they weren't from the same year let alone same age .... significant age gap.
So Jabari Smith isn’t going to bedazzle anyone with his box score. But Jabari is extremely valuable. His rookie season his win share was 1.9 and last year it was 5.6 (3.2 DWS and 2.4 OWS). And he plays a full season, with 76 and 79 games each season. He seems to let the game come to him, instead of crashing into it as a relentless rebounder crashing the boards. He’s a quality NBA player, and perhaps the most likely to become a household name in a few years. Let’s remember he is only 21 years old, and he’s made tremendous leaps into becoming a better player. I think this season he will make another huge leap.
The preseason isn't really where Jabari is ever going to shine because he's not a burst scorer. His projection is superstar role player. A guy who makes his name in the coming years being a critical piece playing in big minutes, making big plays in big playoff games. A big thing for Jabari will be when he finally get's that grown man size & strength. I think he definitely puts time in the weight room, and right now playing the 4 it's totally fine, but when he get that physical maturity he'll really shine as a 4/5. The big question is if the Rockets are on the same timeline of development as Jabari in terms of what they need vs what he needs. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that we could see Jabari traded at some point in the next 18 months. I could see teams like the Heat really falling in love with what Jabari brings, and maybe if they do have to make a big move that's the type of piece that has to be moved for both teams to feel like they are meeting their goals. Until that happens though I know we have plenty of need for what Jabari brings even if he isn't exploding on the scene offensively. Defense, and versatility is the name of the game for Jabari. Maybe the national sports media won't talk about you yet, but around the NBA GM's and Coaches will all want to pursue Jabari either in a trade or with a wad of cash in free agency. Especially if they already have star players, and want that versatile young big man.
He's not seeing a 2nd contract from the Rockets. Wouldn't be surprised if he's gone by the deadline. He's so weak.
They gave Jalen 35 million dollars for 3 years after proving nothing, Jabari might get the max at this rate.
Jabari gettting the max, he is finna probably average 6 pts a game ..... having eaten to his heart's content.
Bari is starting to worry me. He wasn't good last year but he progressed from an awful rookie season. However, time is starting to run out for him, he needs to get his so called sharpshooter skills back because at least JG flashed, Bari has yet to.
