Chet Holmgren - Gonzaga

[BlazersBroncos]

Why can't Jabari be LaMarcus Aldridge offensively?

I think this significantly understates the level of Aldridge's skill. Aldridge was an excellent mid range shooter but he could do so much more earlier in his career in the post.

What?Aldridge was still in high school when he was 18 while Jabari Smith just turned 19 last month after working his way into #1 overall pick conversation. Aldridge left college after two seasons. Jabari is a much better shooter from every area of the floor at an earlier age.

Jabari might be a comparable shooter as LMA from mid-range when facing the basket, but LMA was nearly unstoppable on his turn around mid-ranged jumper. He shot that from the college 3PT line regularly and was insanely good at it. Smith doesnt have that level of turn-around.

Obviously Jabari will be a much better 3PT shooter - LMA developed a standstill kickout 3 late in his career but Smith is the type that can take someone off the dribble at the 3PT line and spot up off the bounce for a 3, LMA obviously couldnt do that.

[SelfishPlayer]

I think this significantly understates the level of Aldridge's skill. Aldridge was an excellent mid range shooter but he could do so much more earlier in his career in the post.

What?Aldridge was still in high school when he was 18 while Jabari Smith just turned 19 last month after working his way into #1 overall pick conversation. Aldridge left college after two seasons. Jabari is a much better shooter from every area of the floor at an earlier age.

Jabari might be a comparable shooter as LMA from mid-range when facing the basket, but LMA was nearly unstoppable on his turn around mid-ranged jumper. He shot that from the college 3PT line regularly and was insanely good at it. Smith doesnt have that level of turn-around.

Obviously Jabari will be a much better 3PT shooter - LMA developed a standstill kickout 3 late in his career but Smith is the type that can take someone off the dribble at the 3PT line and spot up off the bounce for a 3, LMA obviously couldnt do that.

IMO Jabari projects to be a better NBA player than LMA. He started college earlier, left college earlier, is projected to be drafted earlier, can defend point guards, and already has NBA three point range. I can easily see Jabari being the same level of goto scorer as LMA and perhaps even Glen Rice.

[BlazersBroncos]

What?Aldridge was still in high school when he was 18 while Jabari Smith just turned 19 last month after working his way into #1 overall pick conversation. Aldridge left college after two seasons. Jabari is a much better shooter from every area of the floor at an earlier age.

Jabari might be a comparable shooter as LMA from mid-range when facing the basket, but LMA was nearly unstoppable on his turn around mid-ranged jumper. He shot that from the college 3PT line regularly and was insanely good at it. Smith doesnt have that level of turn-around.

Obviously Jabari will be a much better 3PT shooter - LMA developed a standstill kickout 3 late in his career but Smith is the type that can take someone off the dribble at the 3PT line and spot up off the bounce for a 3, LMA obviously couldnt do that.

IMO Jabari projects to be a better NBA player than LMA. He started college earlier, left college earlier, is projected to be drafted earlier, can defend point guards, and already has NBA three point range. I can easily see Jabari being the same level of goto scorer as LMA and perhaps even Glen Rice.

I dont necessarily disagree. I think Smith will at minimum be Rashard Lews redux, but has the potential to build on some of his meh traits and be a Glen Rice level guy.

I do think he is PF though (Who can hold his own on switches to SF).

He will have to make really big strides on his dribble drive to get near the career highs of Glen re FT per game (6.8 & 6.1)

[SelfishPlayer]

Jabari might be a comparable shooter as LMA from mid-range when facing the basket, but LMA was nearly unstoppable on his turn around mid-ranged jumper. He shot that from the college 3PT line regularly and was insanely good at it. Smith doesnt have that level of turn-around.

Obviously Jabari will be a much better 3PT shooter - LMA developed a standstill kickout 3 late in his career but Smith is the type that can take someone off the dribble at the 3PT line and spot up off the bounce for a 3, LMA obviously couldnt do that.

IMO Jabari projects to be a better NBA player than LMA. He started college earlier, left college earlier, is projected to be drafted earlier, can defend point guards, and already has NBA three point range. I can easily see Jabari being the same level of goto scorer as LMA and perhaps even Glen Rice.

I dont necessarily disagree. I think Smith will at minimum be Rashard Lews redux, but has the potential to build on some of his meh traits and be a Glen Rice level guy.

I do think he is PF though (Who can hold his own on switches to SF).

He will have to make really big strides on his dribble drive to get near the career highs of Glen re FT per game (6.8 & 6.1)

It seems like trainers/coaches these days are successfully improving the handle of guys that didn't enter the NBA with a good handle. Pascal Siakam is another guy Jabari may resemble when developed.

[BlazersBroncos]

IMO Jabari projects to be a better NBA player than LMA. He started college earlier, left college earlier, is projected to be drafted earlier, can defend point guards, and already has NBA three point range. I can easily see Jabari being the same level of goto scorer as LMA and perhaps even Glen Rice.

I dont necessarily disagree. I think Smith will at minimum be Rashard Lews redux, but has the potential to build on some of his meh traits and be a Glen Rice level guy.

I do think he is PF though (Who can hold his own on switches to SF).

He will have to make really big strides on his dribble drive to get near the career highs of Glen re FT per game (6.8 & 6.1)

It seems like trainers/coaches these days are successfully improving the handle of guys that didn't enter the NBA with a good handle. Pascal Siakam is another guy Jabari may resemble when developed.

Really don’t see any Pascal in Smith. Like, Smiths best attribute coming out is a silky J for a 6,10 guy. Pascal today after half a decade to develop isn’t the shooter Jabari will be as a rookie. And then the handles, slashing, passing that Siakiam offers are all the traits Smith is not great at.

Just don’t agree at all.

[SelfishPlayer]

I dont necessarily disagree. I think Smith will at minimum be Rashard Lews redux, but has the potential to build on some of his meh traits and be a Glen Rice level guy.

I do think he is PF though (Who can hold his own on switches to SF).

He will have to make really big strides on his dribble drive to get near the career highs of Glen re FT per game (6.8 & 6.1)

It seems like trainers/coaches these days are successfully improving the handle of guys that didn't enter the NBA with a good handle. Pascal Siakam is another guy Jabari may resemble when developed.

Really don’t see any Pascal in Smith. Like, Smiths best attribute coming out is a silky J for a 6,10 guy. Pascal today after half a decade to develop isn’t the shooter Jabari will be as a rookie. And then the handles, slashing, passing that Siakiam offers are all the traits Smith is not great at.

Just don’t agree at all.

Siakam was that player in college?

[BRO klyn]

Has there even been a defensive anchor in the NBA without physicality?

AK47 wasnt really a bruiser, neither was Marion.

I think Chet is basically a giant version of those guys, obviously a more post oriented version but those are my comps. I dont ever think he is more than a 18-20ppg scorer, but he will be a defensive beast and plays unselfish / doesnt ball stop (Unlike KP, a big reason those comps are bad) / knows how to pass.

Kirilenko was super physical and tough. he shied away from nothing. Chet is not in the same stratisphere as far as physicality, tenacity, and toughness.

[BRO klyn]

Has there even been a defensive anchor in the NBA without physicality?

Marcus Camby. Led the league in blocks 2-3 times I think and could also defend out to the perimeter and close on jump shooters. They're very similar in size and build of course imho Chet is a much much better prospect especially offensively

Camby was quicker, faster, a better athlete, and was as tough as you will see from a player coming out of college. just a different mindset.

[BRO klyn]

Marcus Camby. Led the league in blocks 2-3 times I think and could also defend out to the perimeter and close on jump shooters. They're very similar in size and build of course imho Chet is a much much better prospect especially offensively

Camby on defense is a really good comp, he was quite mobile on switches for his size. Chet wont be the insane rebounder Marcus was, but will be numerous levels better offensively (Marcus had that trebuchet like jumper lol)

Camby with ++offense looks a pretty good projection for Holmgren. But I wouldn't be surprised to see Chet keep up with Camby as a rebounder. Chet got 14.7 rbs/40 in his rookie (only) NCAA season; Camby got 11.7, 11.0 and 10.7 in his 3 season in the NCAA.

Camby was a good to very good nba defender. i dont see how chet is ever better then approaching average with a chance to be a liability. what position does he play defensively?

[SeattleJazzFan]

Has there even been a defensive anchor in the NBA without physicality?

AK47 wasnt really a bruiser, neither was Marion.

I think Chet is basically a giant version of those guys, obviously a more post oriented version but those are my comps. I dont ever think he is more than a 18-20ppg scorer, but he will be a defensive beast and plays unselfish / doesnt ball stop (Unlike KP, a big reason those comps are bad) / knows how to pass.

Kirilenko was super physical and tough. he shied away from nothing. Chet is not in the same stratisphere as far as physicality, tenacity, and toughness.

huh? those are some of Chet's greatest traits. not necessarily physicality as that is limited by his thin stature, but for a thin guy tenacity and toughness are literally what sets him apart. also, AK wasn't very physical either. i'd say chet is more naturally tough and tenacious than AK was. but AK moved much better and was more skilled as a passer and playmaker defensively.

[BRO klyn]

AK47 wasnt really a bruiser, neither was Marion.

I think Chet is basically a giant version of those guys, obviously a more post oriented version but those are my comps. I dont ever think he is more than a 18-20ppg scorer, but he will be a defensive beast and plays unselfish / doesnt ball stop (Unlike KP, a big reason those comps are bad) / knows how to pass.

Kirilenko was super physical and tough. he shied away from nothing. Chet is not in the same stratisphere as far as physicality, tenacity, and toughness.

huh? those are some of Chet's greatest traits. not necessarily physicality as that is limited by his thin stature, but for a thin guy tenacity and toughness are literally what sets him apart. also, AK wasn't very physical either. i'd say chet is more naturally tough and tenacious than AK was. but AK moved much better and was more skilled as a passer and playmaker defensively.

AK was one of the most physical players ive seen in a long time.

And to me Chets biggest weakness is a lack of toughness and tenacity. It is why I would be terrified to draft him.

[BlazersBroncos]

Has there even been a defensive anchor in the NBA without physicality?

Marcus Camby. Led the league in blocks 2-3 times I think and could also defend out to the perimeter and close on jump shooters. They're very similar in size and build of course imho Chet is a much much better prospect especially offensively

Camby was quicker, faster, a better athlete, and was as tough as you will see from a player coming out of college. just a different mindset.

I just dont think this is true. Chet is not a lesser athlete than Camby.

Toughness is to be seen, I dont think Chet shies from contact but is instead limited due to his size. If FTR is a sign of lacking toughness, you may have a point. But I dont think he is scared of contact, he just doesnt take it well right now at like 200lbs.

[EMG518]

Kirilenko was super physical and tough. he shied away from nothing. Chet is not in the same stratisphere as far as physicality, tenacity, and toughness.

huh? those are some of Chet's greatest traits. not necessarily physicality as that is limited by his thin stature, but for a thin guy tenacity and toughness are literally what sets him apart. also, AK wasn't very physical either. i'd say chet is more naturally tough and tenacious than AK was. but AK moved much better and was more skilled as a passer and playmaker defensively.

AK was one of the most physical players ive seen in a long time.

And to me Chets biggest weakness is a lack of toughness and tenacity. It is why I would be terrified to draft him.

Have you watched an actual game of his?

I find it hard to believe you have and are questioning his toughness or motor.

[tmorgan]

Chet is as tough and tenacious as they come! What is this nonsense?

In fact, it’s his insanely tenacious attitude that has me most worried. He could easily get hurt contesting a dunk by some center in the pros. Hand on ball doesn’t matter when you get your wrist broken by the rim.

[CoreyVillains]

My number one player in the draft. The defense is obvious and I believe what he showed in college offensively is only scratching the surface.

Watch on YouTube

[clyde21]

My number one player in the draft. The defense is obvious and I believe what he showed in college offensively is only scratching the surface.

Watch on YouTube

good vid as always, not sure I dig the suit

[Sinistar6]

My number one player in the draft. The defense is obvious and I believe what he showed in college offensively is only scratching the surface.

Watch on YouTube

good vid as always, not sure I dig the suit

Seconded! Upside is generational don’t pass it up.

[Big J]

I don't like how this kid is talking about his fit with OKC. Seems to set on trying to force his way there in a passive aggressive manner.

[namlede]

Chet is my #1 but I disagree with those who think he will be a superstar. I actually think his upside is not as high as others.

his strength is a concern no doubt but nobody talks about his other glaring weakness......

he has slow movements. his shot is slow, his passing is slow, he is coordinated and fluid but his first step is slow. defensively reacting to the ball he is fast, but on offense it looks like he has to think a second longer than others.

I still think he will be a great connecting player on offense and a great rim protector. but he will be average defending on the perimeter.



Sent from my Pixel 2 using RealGM mobile app

[BlazersBroncos]

I don't like how this kid is talking about his fit with OKC. Seems to set on trying to force his way there in a passive aggressive manner.

I think saying you would like to play somewhere is a much better look than a guy saying he wouldn’t like to play somewhere.

Players do this all the time. I certainly would want to end up in OKC over ORL.