You know who is a good comp for Jalen Smith (and his upside)? Christian Wood.
Good point.
It frustrates me to listen to and read opinions from people who were big on going after Christian Wood yet quickly pan the Jalen Smith pick.
Jalen Smith isn't Christian Wood. I don't think the pick should be panned, but I think it is a little premature to equate the acquisition to getting Christian Wood. Wood is more of a scorer and a more fluid athlete. You can iso Wood and have him score on his man with dribble drives, spin moves, or scoring in the post. Smith doesn't have that ability. Smith is a catch and shoot or catch and finish guy. Much more limited.
You know who is a good comp for Jalen Smith (and his upside)? Christian Wood.
Good point.
It frustrates me to listen to and read opinions from people who were big on going after Christian Wood yet quickly pan the Jalen Smith pick.
Jalen Smith isn't Christian Wood. I don't think the pick should be panned, but I think it is a little premature to equate the acquisition to getting Christian Wood. Wood is more of a scorer and a more fluid athlete. You can iso Wood and have him score on his man with dribble drives, spin moves, or scoring in the post. Smith doesn't have that ability. Smith is a catch and shoot or catch and finish guy. Much more limited.
Smith is not at his end product. We shall see.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 2:10 am
by Ring_Wanted
Woods would have made sense for this team even with Smith. You get a 4/5 and a 5/4. Plus Ayton and Cam, that's a terrific frontcourt.
You know who is a good comp for Jalen Smith (and his upside)? Christian Wood.
Good point.
It frustrates me to listen to and read opinions from people who were big on going after Christian Wood yet quickly pan the Jalen Smith pick.
Jalen Smith isn't Christian Wood. I don't think the pick should be panned, but I think it is a little premature to equate the acquisition to getting Christian Wood. Wood is more of a scorer and a more fluid athlete. You can iso Wood and have him score on his man with dribble drives, spin moves, or scoring in the post. Smith doesn't have that ability. Smith is a catch and shoot or catch and finish guy. Much more limited.
I agree with most of this, but I've seen Smith put the ball on the ground and take a guy off the dribble w/ spins and scoring in the post. It might be more limited though. I think you could compare him a bit to JJJ, but is more disciplined in his fouling and a better rebounder, but not quite as long.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2020 2:03 pm
by Split T
JJJ has shown more off the bounce game as well. I know his defense hasn’t been as advertised, but I’d guess he’s better on the perimeter than Jalen
My player comp for him is Otis Thorpe as his ceiling, floor is rich man’s Bo Outlaw.
Thurl Bailey?
I was thinking the same thing. Mostly due to the glasses
That sure didn't hurt the comp, did it?
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 12:39 pm
by O_Gardino
I really like the way Smith moves on both ends of the floor.
On offence he floats between the basket and 3pt line always watching the play to see where his best spot is.
On defense he seems to have a knack for moving/switching to where the ball is headed.
You can see a little of that stuff here topped off with some ice cold free throw shooting.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:10 pm
by Shabazz
He's got a nice, compact shooting stroke that should translate well to the pros.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:32 pm
by O_Gardino
He's got a lot going for him. I'm going to keep posting videos and positives. He will help the team, and I do look forward to seeing him on the court with Ayton.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:33 pm
by ShelC
Yea he snaps the ball out, doesn't have a long or slow "windup" like some bigs who have learned to shoot from deep. He shoots like a guard, instinctively and confidently.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 1:39 pm
by Indy
that last highlight where he leaves his guy up top beyond the 3 point line to come help out on the post up and still makes the block... that was nice to see.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 2:24 pm
by 3rdside
Didn't see it in this thread but heard on The Solar Panel last night - Stix; the reincarnation and amalgamation of Stat and the Matrix...
Didn't see it in this thread but heard on The Solar Panel last night - Stix; the reincarnation and amalgamation of Stat and the Matrix...
That's a bit much, but I do like his game. I worry that there won't be much of a role for him on the team this coming year. But maybe it's okay to bring a rookie along slowly as he learns the pro game.
I think I was more excited about Smith when I envisioned him as a 4 alongside Ayton. But it sounds like he's more of a 5 who would play as Ayton's backup, if anything. That is less appealing to me because it feels like he has a low ceiling of being a 12-15 minute per game bench guy who spells Ayton during rests and foul trouble. I guess if we decide Ayton isn't going to be a star and need to trade him, Smith would be good insurance. But I don't want things to turn out like that.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 4:28 pm
by ShelC
I think he'll see 20-25mpg as a 4/5 next to Ayton, Saric and Crowder. There's always a chance he gets outplayed by Damian Jones but I think with his defense and 3pt shooting, he should find some time early on.
Didn't see it in this thread but heard on The Solar Panel last night - Stix; the reincarnation and amalgamation of Stat and the Matrix...
That's a bit much, but I do like his game. I worry that there won't be much of a role for him on the team this coming year. But maybe it's okay to bring a rookie along slowly as he learns the pro game.
I think I was more excited about Smith when I envisioned him as a 4 alongside Ayton. But it sounds like he's more of a 5 who would play as Ayton's backup, if anything. That is less appealing to me because it feels like he has a low ceiling of being a 12-15 minute per game bench guy who spells Ayton during rests and foul trouble. I guess if we decide Ayton isn't going to be a star and need to trade him, Smith would be good insurance. But I don't want things to turn out like that.
Can they help him with loosening his hips as much as Cam Johnson? Will make or break him at the 4.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 6:33 pm
by 3rdside
Yeah I don’t think they were implying the reincarnation of talent, Smith is far too stiff for that.
I like him as a squad guy / 7th man type thing and don’t think he’s got a high ceiling but that’s okay if it’s a squad guy we want.
I could also see Ayton as a 4 on defense alongside smith at 5.
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 6:41 pm
by O_Gardino
They must believe they he can play the 4. We will see when the season starts, but I am 100% certain he will see some time next to Ayton.
Didn't see it in this thread but heard on The Solar Panel last night - Stix; the reincarnation and amalgamation of Stat and the Matrix...
That's a bit much, but I do like his game. I worry that there won't be much of a role for him on the team this coming year. But maybe it's okay to bring a rookie along slowly as he learns the pro game.
I think I was more excited about Smith when I envisioned him as a 4 alongside Ayton. But it sounds like he's more of a 5 who would play as Ayton's backup, if anything. That is less appealing to me because it feels like he has a low ceiling of being a 12-15 minute per game bench guy who spells Ayton during rests and foul trouble. I guess if we decide Ayton isn't going to be a star and need to trade him, Smith would be good insurance. But I don't want things to turn out like that.
I wouldn't read too much into that. It's just an amalgamation of their names/nicknames:
STAT TRIX
STA RIX
ST IX
STIX
Re: Who is Jalen Smith?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2020 8:41 pm
by Superbone
His positioning is flawless. He's got a lot to teach Ayton. Smith is also going to dunk the ball when he's near the hoop.
