I am starting to get that Horry Voodoo vibe about this guy. Not a volume scorer, but feels like all his makes are at meaningful junctures…
What was particularly encouraging for me about Jabari's good shooting against the Warriors is he excelled in a very tense, grimy defensive slugfest. It legit felt like a playoff game where a lot was at stake. Rebounding was another story.
The funny thing is right now that's probably his best comparison right now. Which again, great player, just not one you build around but one every team wants to have.
Jabari's rebounding numbers are inconsistent. But his effort is always there. He isn't a great instinctual rebounder who has uncanny nose to the ball. But he always try to get in the mix. With the length and the effort, he is overall an above average rebounder at his position.
For the GSW game, he did spend a lot of time in the perimeter which is why he didn't get as many rebounds as usual, although 1 is really low for his standards.
He’s consistently had one of the best WS of his class, despite some backlash he’s received from folks wanting more production from him. But he needed to get stronger. I think that the big difference from two years ago and now, is that he’s filling out his body. And he is now playing with a lot of tenacity. You can see him swat away defensive blocks, you can see him being more comfortable shooting his shot. He is looking like a veteran, though I don’t think anyone is going to be hailing him as an MVP candidate, he’s going to be a stalwart in the NBA for the next 10+ years. Defense, shooting, and length. That is a great set of skills to expect from your starting power forward.
He got 7 rebs in each of the first two games against the Warriors. I actually think his rebounding numbers vary because his commitment to hitting the glass drops off some games. It's mostly all good. I'll gladly take his increasing efficiency and big improvement on the defensive end over a few rebounds.
LOL Remember when people were saying Stone got a bust and we should have taken freaking Keegan Murray or Ivey??? 3 yrs later who's laughing now? Jabari is projecting into a similar player as Al Horford, you have a pretty tall, lengthy and mobile stretch PF/C who won't wow you at anything but is extremely solid at the important facets of the game. Barring any superstar trades Sengun, him and Amen are gonna be Rockets for a very long time.
I'll keep saying it, because it's true -- Sengun, Amen, and Smith are a great foundation who complement each others' skillsets well. Add an efficient perimeter scorer to that mix, and you've really got something.
Agreed he definitely looks more fluid and confident. I feel like the shooting efficiency is headed in the right direction. I’m flat out impressed with the defensive improvement. Would like to see him be a more consistent rebounder. I know he can do it. It really helps on the nights his shot isn’t falling.
A bad start is overshadowing how awesome he's been lately. The defense is really taking a new level and he's even looking to drive some. One can only wonder if they scaled up his shot attempts if the percentages would hold? He tried to poster Hartenstein too, love that confidence. That would've been a huuuuge energy boost.
He is also serving double duty as the backup C. He's a big reason why Jock Landale isn't seeing any play because it seems like Jabari is already better than him and Adams. Not that I'm in favor of it but if we trade for a front court star like say Giannis I can see Jabari being the one to stay and Sengun is the one traded because he is the All star talent and Jabari can be the stretch 5 similar to Brook Lopez.
We're the 3rd worst 3pt shooting team in the NBA, nothing we can use more than a 6'11 sniper. Not only will that improve our shooting, but it will open space in the paint for our wings. It will lessen the volume of 3's needed from FVV/Green. Keep it up Bari. Embrace the role.
I wonder how much his consistency with rebounding has to do with his teammates and many of them being good rebounders themselves.
His rebounding goes up and down depending on who he’s defending - if he’s switching on arc like vs okc small line up his rebounds go down - if other teams c/pf are in paint his numbers go up
Honestly even I wouldn’t want to trade Alpe for Giannis but I get your point. Alpe and Jabari games fit super nice together too. I’m all for no more Adams at 5, letting Jabari take those minutes opens up more time for Tari, Cam (shocked face) and Jae’sean. Gives us a different look too, we can really spread out and attack an empty paint or a smolbol lineup with Jabari manning the 5.
More Jabari shooting. Get him some plays to get open. Pick and pops, flare screens, off ball screens. Just let him shoot. His shot looks way better
