Wanted to wait for our pick to be known before doing this this year. Not gonna lie, I'm so butt horny for an elite SG and at first I could only think that Jabari would push Franz to SG and that just didn't sit well AT ALL. Which lead me to me my latest and greatest hot take! Jabari Smith as our Starting SG! Sure he can play other positions too, but hell, let's create mismatches that the rest of the league can't deal with and let's have some fun!
Here he says he'd play the 2 in a big line up or a 5 in a small one!
From NBA.com
Strengths: 3-Point Shooting, Deep Range, Mid-Range Pull-Up, Tough Shot-Maker, Perimeter Defense, Deflecting Passes, Rebounding
Weaknesses: Attacking Basket, Drawing Fouls, Shot Settling, Rim Protection, Playmaking
FIT WITH THE MAGIC
On Offense...The Magic already have an attacking lead guard in Fultz, who can collapse the lane and create open looks for teammates, so having spot up shooters around him is the ideal set up. In contrast, Fultz paired with Ivey are two ball dominant, lane attacking guards who don't compliment each other as well (unless Ivey proves to be a reliable 3pt shooter, which is a criticism). Jalen Suggs 3 point range was the biggest disappointment for the Magic in 2021-22. It's gonna be a while until that gets fixed. Jabari can step in from Day 1 and provide a huge boost filling the role off the ball. Critics may say Jabari doesn't have the handle to create his own shot. True, but Jabari doesn't need to dribble to create his own shot. His height and length already give him the advantage of getting his own shot off.
With Franz establishing himself as our starting SF, Jabari does not have a clear path to starters minutes at the 3. He does have the versatility to share minutes there, which is again, perfect for us. But as a starter, Franz is a more complete player.
At PF, I just don't like the idea of Jabari, even if Isaac is not in the picture. If the plan is to replace Isaac, then Chet is the obvious choice. However, I don't think from anything that we've heard from the Magic that Isaac is NOT a part of their plans. In fact, I'm sure he is a BIG part of their plans.
On Defense... As much as I can respect Jabari Smith's shooting, his effort with his perimeter defense is what I love most about him. He is stiffling, tenacious and CONFIDENT he can stop his guy. He's a damn bully at times, and I LOVE IT!!!
Nothing irritates shooters on the perimeter more than defenders with length and quick feet. Watching the playoffs, I think Jabari would give guys FITS! Luka would be pissed with that match up, Booker, Klay, Bane, Herro would find it hard to shoot over him, Jaylen and Harden could try to dribble past him but would have to watch their backs for block from behind.
ORLANDO LONG BOIS
We KNOW Weltman and Hammond have an insatiable lust for length. A SG with a wingspan of 7'1 would absolutely thrill them. A look at their length and versatility shows their priority.
Markelle Fultz - 6'10
Jabari Smith - 7'1
Chuma Okeke - 7'0
Franz Wagner - 7'0
Mo Wagner - 7'0
Jonathan Isaac - 7'1
Wendell Carter Jr - 7'5
Robin Lopez 7'6
Bol Bol - 7'8
Mo Bamba - 7'10
CHET VS JABARI
1. Chet on the perimeter takes him away from the post where his defense is most effective.
2. Jabari on the perimeter infuriates opponents and mitigates his post defense criticisms.
2. Chet pushes Isaac out of the picture.
3. Jabari at SG creates mismatch advantages for the Magic that most teams will find difficulty combating.
4. Chet's body and game is an injury prone mixture. He needs to add a lot of good weight and muscle to withstand 82 games a year.
5. Jabari's frame has room to bulk up and not have it negatively affect his game. High upside.
6. Jabari IS a shooter. His 80 made 3PT made is double that of Chet's 40 3PT made.
7. Jabari, 80% FT shooter vs Chet, 70% FT shooter.
8. Chet the superior blocker, Jabari the superior stealer.
9. Chet was a role player for Gonzaga.
10. Jabari was the alpha for Auburn.
