Quote:
Originally Posted by FreshJive
When I said “terrible” I just meant as an NBA player, not in comparison to other rookies.
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What does that even mean? Of course a rookie is going to be worse than a developed/seasoned player. It basically means nothing to say that Smith as a rookie was worse than Durant in year 12. The only meaningful comparison you can make is between players in their rookie season.
Here's a few I assembled. Dirk and last year's allstars as rookies vs. Smith
better 3pt% and better eFG% than Dirk
better 3pt% and better eFG% than LeBron
better 3pt% and better eFG% than Westbrook
better 3pt% and tied on eFG% with Durant
better 3pt% than George
better 3pt% and better eFG% than Kemba
better 3pt% and better eFG% than Wall
better 3pt% than Derozan
better 3pt% and better eFG% than Butler
better eFG% than Lowry
guys with more efficient-scoring rookie seasons:
Harden
Klay
Curry
Lillard
bigs like Davis, Cousins
Smith had a more efficient rookie season than most of the allstars on both allstar teams this year. I'm not saying that he will be anywhere near as good-- it's all about that huge sophomore leap, but saying Smith is terrible compared to seasoned vets is just a silly statement and comparing him against incredible players in comparable seasons, Smith looks very promising.
18pts - 5reb - 6ast per 36 with efficiency numbers that compare well with most 2018 allstars.