I don't think it will get traction. I agree it doesn't feel right. It's early and I've only seen these SL games, but I've never seen a defender do what he did. not even Kawhi was the best lockdown defender I've seen, but Jabari wasn't just locking people down, he was rotating and helping on drives that were nowhere near him. He's more than a lockdown defender anyway, it's truly masterful to watch and one of a kind.
At this point his nickname is simply just Bari. All the other nicknames as currently constructed don't work and are underserved. However, I will say "The Lock" might be perfect if he ends up becoming a perennial 1st team all defense guy. 1:28 seconds on the clock in the fourth quarter against the Wolves. Bari gets switched onto Ant after a long offensive rebound. Bari forces a turnover. KPJ gets the ball, two on one fastbreak with Green. Lob! DUNK!!! Rockets up seven with 1:12 on the clock. Sam Mitchell calls a time out. Bari goes back to the huddle with a fist pump. High fives are being thrown. Bill Worrell Craig Ackerman : "The Rockets are up seven from a thunderous slam from Jalen Green and it all started with the great defensive play by Jabari "The Lock" Smith! We're rocking here in the Toyota Center!" I think this is the way, but he has to earn it. He has to be foreal with his defensive potential. Reminds me of Im not a businessman, I'm a business, man.
