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Jabari Smith still has it all in front of him.

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Francis3422, Dec 26, 2024.

  1. Francis3422

    Francis3422 Member

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    Really impressed with Jabari lately. I think he has clearly defined his floor. He will be a very good 3P shooter and defensive rebounder. He is effective everywhere on defense. He also average to above average offensive rebounding and hitting mid range shots. Although the turn around jumper isn’t an efficient NBA shot, his length allows him to generate it at will.

    Lately, I am seeing some improvements in other areas. Shot blocking from the weak side specifically stands out. this is a guy that is still only 21.5 years old. I’d really like to get him some extra shots.

    while he is clearly defined his floor, I still think that he has a higher ceiling than many of us give him credit for.
     
  2. Mathloom

    Mathloom Shameless Optimist

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    Agreed. Feel like he could have a big game tonight. He's grown up a lot and no reason to believe he won't keep improving. He's playing within a role he's capable of being an A+ in.
     
  3. RB713

    RB713 Member

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    AroundTheWorld, A_3PO and Jontro like this.
  4. Jontro

    Jontro Member

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    i never doubted. glad we drafted him ahead of polo ranchero
     
  5. dfbreyes

    dfbreyes Member

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    Wasn't Paolo Banchero drafted number #1 ? Jabari Smith was available after Orlando selected Paolo Banchero.
     
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  6. Roomba

    Roomba Member

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    If Jabari doesn’t become a star, I am certain he will become a star in his role, A-la Shane Battier. He is too smart, works too hard, and cares too much not to be.

    I believe in him, and not blindly! I truly think he’ll keep getting better
     
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  7. Stephen_A

    Stephen_A Member

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    He’s already a really good role player. Don’t understand all the hate and unrealistic expectations instead of appreciating him for who he is. As we all have seen this season he is getting into his spots which is the elbow jumper or 10 ft jumper in the paint. He consistently makes great defensive plays. Very under appreciated player.
     
  8. RocketsFido

    RocketsFido Member

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    Jabari will never be that superstar the team could use but he will definitely be a solid role player for us. I hope we sign him to a long term team friendly extension. One of those home grown guys that sticks with the team for their entire NBA career, I can see it happening.
     
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  9. krosfyah

    krosfyah Member

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    The Shane Battier comp seems perfect. Or Robert Horry. Or PJ Tucker. Every contending team needs that guy.

    The ideal 3&D guy that will never demand the ball from the alpha player(s) but is always a Net Positive while on the floor. Jabari is still young but this seems clear he's growing into that guy. One key benefit is Jabari can play center sometimes.
     
  10. Houston77

    Houston77 COOKIES AND CAKE, MY TEAM BAKED!
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    I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.

    Sengun, Amen, Bari

    Build around those three. Trade for a guy that complements them if necessary.
     
  11. Stephen_A

    Stephen_A Member

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    Yes Unfortunately I believe Tari will likely be included in a deal if they still seek a superstar.
     
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  12. Hemingway

    Hemingway Member
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    Exactly what I think.
     
    Stephen_A likes this.
  13. Newlin

    Newlin Member

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    I don’t see the Rockets wanting to pay him, so I think he will be traded in the next 12 months.
     
    fattz likes this.
  14. OremLK

    OremLK Member

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    He's pretty clearly a roleplayer IMO, but might be a very high-end one similar to a PF version of what Al Horford has been through his 30s. I hope he is willing to take a discount in order to sign an extension and stay here, because if not, he may be too expensive to keep around--these guys get paid. See also: OG Anunoby getting $212 million over 5
     
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  15. Rockets4lf

    Rockets4lf Member

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    STILL TIME TO GET RID OF THIS TRASH
     
  16. Furious Jam

    Furious Jam Member

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    Can anyone explain to me why he doesn't get touches in the post whenever Sengun is on the bench? He looks pretty good down there.
     
  17. gumbleton3

    gumbleton3 Member

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    If we accept what he is, a high end role player, Jabari is doing fine.

    I think people were hoping for more from a high end lottery pick.
     
  18. CantStopJG24

    CantStopJG24 Member

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    Derrick White is a high end role player. Jabari isn't. He's back to what he was pre 6 game hot streak.
     
  19. dobro1229

    dobro1229 Member

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    Might be a topic for a separate thread but I have trouble seeing Tari passing a physical for him to be part of an important deal. I think it’s obvious the Rockets are hiding more serious health issues with his leg than they are leading on.

    One of my pet peeves with Stone is he treats everyone like they are idiots. We obviously know there’s a serious issue going on. Just come clean with it. It just annoys people and lets them know they can’t trust you.
     
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  20. Hemingway

    Hemingway Member
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    Why would any GM come out and hurt a player's trade value, just because fans want to know? Maybe, he doesn't have a chronic issue and you are just wrong. Being silent or respecting an athelete's medical information is not being disrespectful, it's just doing his job. Stone is no different than any other GM in this respect.
     

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