Death, taxes, and stats only matter when they reaffirm my opinion
I think you can glean some extra insight by doing more contextual stats. But it’s funny to be the guy that says we can’t use Freshman shooting stats and then all of a sudden get really into even smaller sample size numbers for freshman. The more you cut the sample the more SSS it is obviously.
I still like Jarace a lot. Shooting is a concern but the real appeal is his defense. I think he is one of the best, if not the best defensive prospect in this draft. He will enable teams to have a small ball look without compromising things that a big man would also provide. I think his defense has become somewhat of an afterthought in these convos but I’d say he has the potential to be a DPOY/ Best defender in a playoff series type guy.
Offensively I hated the way HOU used him and think he will be much better in an NBA system. His offense gets less exciting if the shooting never comes around….but I’d really like to see him in more PnR and as a passer out of the high post. The two man game between Jokic/Murray and Bam/Whatever shooter has been a staple in both team’s offenses this playoffs and I think Jarace can unlock that.
With all that said, I’m kind of a sucker for these kind of prospects. Love Okongwu, Aaron Gordon, Wendell Carter, Mobley etc. I really value a physical athlete who offers some skill and does the little things. Im also less critical of bigs’ shooting than guards, but maybe that’s a mistake.
From a Jazz perspective I think he’s the ideal fit with Lauri in a 4/5 combo situation, but it does get more dicey playing with Kessler as you’re making a bigger bet on his shooting skills. Before you draft Jarace I think you have to make a judgement on Kessler and consider whether he’s the guy you max out and play in every situation like Gobert or just a very good good C who may or may not be a part of your closing playoff look.
