Jabari Smith

Sam, I watched a lot of Jabari in college and also must confess to overestimating his NBA potential.

At Auburn, he was an elite defender and an elite 3-point shooter. There is really no argument about that. However, as with many players, neither has translated to the NBA.

When it comes to his lack of handles, SIGH!

 

The Rockets had to choose between Jalen Green and Jabari Smith. They picked Jabari.

 

They needed Jalen’s salary.

 

Should this be a ceiling on what Jabari should expect from the Rockets if he extends this summer?

 

Naz is a much better player. No Jabari should not get that.

 

This feels like a steal for the Wolves.

 

Agreed. I think this increases the chance of the Rockets extending Jabari and Tari before the season.

 

I hope so. I see Jabari getting 5 years - 95/100

Tari - 3 years 45

 

Hometown team discount?

 

Hopefully Jabari will be featured more without Jalen taking so many shots. KD is a good assist guy and Fred is good at finding him too. But they need to get him more touches in isolation and let him work. He’s almost automatic with his midrange game.

 

If im their agents I’m probably advising them not to extend this offseason. A lot more teams have cap space next offseason. They are likely to get more (either with Houston or somewhere else) if they wait. However, I do think with Tari it’s a little different. He hasn’t earned nearly as much in his 3 seasons and he’s been injured the last two seasons. So if the rockets make him a fair offer it might make sense for him to take it. But pretty sure Bari’s agent will advise him to play out the season.

 

All I know is that Ime better cut the crap with phasing Jabari out. He should be starting and getting more shots. Barely playing him in the playoffs where he showed up was absolutely terrible coaching.

 

I'm fine with that because I have serious doubts about Jabari taking a big step this year. Just don't see it happening.

Hope I am very wrong.

 

I don’t think he takes a big step, because he has a coach that is satisfied with him being an occasional 3 pt shooter and playing good defense and rebounding. I doubt he gets any more shots than last year. Ime is a conservative coach. The offense is going to be a lot of Iso with Durant and FVV will play about 35 mins a game, because he doesn’t turn the ball over. Amen will get a moderate increase on ball, cam will be gone, and Reed will probably get 15 mins or so to begin the season. If he improves and can hold his own on defense, FVV’s minutes will slowly tick down and Reed’s will go up. I think if either Alpi or Amen develop a league average 3 pointer it will impact Fred the most and his minutes on ball will diminish quickly and eventually his minutes on the court period.

 

I hope so as well.

 

Define "big step".