Kolkmania wrote:PhillyPhilly wrote:I just think he's got everything In his game to something really special. He's fast, he's nimble on his feet, he's got an incredible spring, a high defensive IQ, can finish at the rim, Is a GREAT passer already, shows signs of being able to create his own shot, is shooting the jumper very well from mid-range and the three etc. I think if he works hard In the offseason (which he most certainly will) then there is no reason why he can't replace JJ moving forward.
I'm sorry to spoil your honeymoon phase, but you should lower your expectations of Smith's offensive skill set.
He's a decent passer, he has some nice dump-off passes when he drives to the rim. However, labeling him as a great passer suggests that he can create shots for others out of the P&R for example and that's not true.
Similarly, his shooting percentages in the NBA are good (37.5% from three on just 16 attempts), but the shot looked significantly worse in the G league, where he was really reluctant to shoot and hit 20% out of 25 attempts. I'm not saying that he won't shoot an open catch and shoot three next year, but expecting him to replace JJ (who hits the most ridiculous shots on the move) is ignorant imo.
He'll definitely offer a different skill set (more defensive mindset), but we desperately need a good shooter next to Embiid and Simmons.
Lol I knew a JJ fan would come storming in . Well firstly his shooting in the G-league when he first came back from injury was obviously rusty, but he improved significantly the more he played which is why his shooting for the Sixers looked very decent. Secondly replacing JJ is not just about being a great catch and shoot guy. Zhaire's defensive skills, ability to get to the rim, rebounding, assists as well as his shooting Is why I believe he could replace JJ. Obviously he's not as good as JJ from three yet, but we need an SG who can defend better than him next season imo and Zhaire could be the man.