Smith is a top-3 pick and has the higher upside, but there’s been talk about winning and meritocracy this offseason. Eason was a better NBA player last year and (perhaps) more likely to contribute to wins this year. How long do we keep pretending that Smith is the guy? If he is to become a star, shouldn’t he earn it first? Honestly, I think Eason is a better fit next to Sengun as a cutter and help-defender. On the other hand, Smith’s promise of an outside shot makes him an easier match with Brooks. Torn about this. I lean towards Smith, as I am not convinced we need to push all the way towards winning, and would rather we balance wins with developing our high-upside talent. However, I’d reduce Smith’s minutes and give Eason a shot at starting depending on how the first 10-20 games go.
We really really needed Lopez and it has nothing to do with Sengun. I don’t know if Eason should start but Jabari certainly ain’t it. If you think about Lopez he does everything Jabari was supposed to do, shooting, defense, that’s who he would have replaced. Thank god Amen looks good because Jabari is trending towards being a massive bust.
Tari is so much better than Jabari, it's not even close. There is not a single thing Jabari does better than Tari. And Tari has natural confidence. Bari doesn't, even though he talks as if he does.
The most annoying part of jabari is how lazy he is on defense. Has nothing to do with ability, he will stay with his man and then on a step back he will just dare the guy to shoot without putting a hand up, and inevitably it seems to always go in. Jabari has done less than nothing in the league to disrespect opponents like that.
Jabari isn’t even a rotational player. Stiff, can’t shoot and can’t dribble. My god, he can’t dribble. His shots aren’t even close.
I have this suspicion that Smith is eventually going to get shoehorned in as an undersized stretch 5.
Would like to see Smith play at C for 5-10 mins per game, but between Sengun, Landale and Jeff Green, not sure Smith will get a chance.
Ridiculous question. Jabari probably shouldn't even be playing Summer League. Mark my words. He'll be a perennial All Star.
I really do hope that he can become an all-star player and I do believe in his upside. However, given we are supposedly trying to win, does he help us more than Eason? I think that’s a fair question. I feel he gets the benefit of the doubt because he was a top-3 pick, but he has not yet shown he deserves that privilege. Smith’s starting role should be in question if Eason continues to be the superior player.
