A comprehensive comparison between Tari Ethan and Smith Jr. It is clear at a glance who is weak and who is stronger!

In the Houston Rockets' young forward group, 2022 rookies Tari Ethan and Jabbarry Smith Jr. have always been the focus of fans' discussion. The two are the core puzzles of the team's future plans, but they have completely different styles and positioning. From physical conditions to technical characteristics, from on-field roles to development prospects, after comparison, the strengths and weaknesses are already clear.

1. Physical conditions: a talent base with different styles

As a forward player, physical conditions are based on the foundation of the NBA, and the talent trends of the two are obviously different.

Jabbarri Smith Jr. has a typical space-type inside figure: 2.08 meters tall, 2.16 meters wingspan, 2.73 meters standing and weighing 100 kg. Such static talent gives him both high and flexibility in the number four position, which can not only grab rebounds at the basket, but also quickly move across and participate in the outside defense. In terms of dynamics, his running speed and jump height are medium to the upper level at the same position, which is enough to support him to complete the outside shooting, or to end up with an empty cut at the basket.

Tari Essen is the representative of the "short and strong forward line": he is 2.03 meters tall, 2.18 meters tall, 2.68 meters tall, and weighs 103 kg. Although he is slightly inferior in height, his weight and core strength are more dominant, and his confrontation intensity is significantly higher than Smith. Dynamic talent is the highlight of Ethan - his continuous jumping ability is excellent, his sprint speed is fast, and his lateral slip frequency is high, which makes him more impactful in his ability to convert offensive and defensive ends.

Simply put, Smith's physical condition is more suitable for the needs of modern basketball's "great" forwards, while Ethan is more functionally aggressive with the combination of strength and speed.

2. Technical characteristics: The ability division between offense and defense

Offensive end: The game between efficiency and range

Smith's offensive label is "space shooter". His three-pointer is a core weapon, with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.8% this season, has strong stability in receiving and shooting, fast shooting speed and flat arc, making it suitable for bounces outside and catch shots after pick-and-roll. In addition, he has a certain mid-range jump shot ability and can complete a quick stop jump shot near the free throw line, opening up the team's offensive space. But the shortcomings are also obvious: the ending efficiency at the basket is low (the shooting percentage at the basket this season is only 53.2%), the movements are seriously deformed after the confrontation, the ability to break through the ball with the ball is weak, and there is almost no ability to create offense independently.

Ethan's offense is centered on "efficient ending". His shooting percentage at the basket is as high as 67.5%, he is good at using his physical confrontation to squeeze out space to complete layups, and he is keen on second offense (averages 2.1 frontcourt rebounds per game). Converting offense is his strength. With his speed and confrontation, he can quickly hit the basket, and his fast break score accounts for 18% this season. Although his three-point shooting percentage (35.4%) is slightly lower than Smith, his shooting choices are more pragmatic and rarely make blind shots; in addition, his ability to break the ball with a ball is better than Smith, and he can complete a close-range end with a simple change of direction or turn.

Defensive end: The difference between function and intensity

Defense is the area where the two have the most obvious gap. Ethan is one of the Rockets' most reliable outside defenders at present: with his wingspan and moving speed, he can defend from the second position to the fourth position, averaging 1.8 steals and 0.9 blocks per game this season. He is extremely oppressive in defense and is good at predicting the passing route to complete the ball, or destroying the opponent's rhythm through active scrambling. His defensive style is more "active" but sometimes he will cause fouls due to being too aggressive (2.5 fouls per game).

Smith's defense is more "passive": with his height and wingspan, his basket protection data (1.1 blocks per game) is better than Ethan, and he can form an effective deterrent at the basket; but his lateral movement speed is insufficient, and he is easily overwhelmed when facing small players' breakthroughs, and his defense switching judgment is not mature enough when defending pick-and-roll. His defensive efficiency (112.3) is lower than Ethan (108.7) this season, and his performance is mediocre in limiting opponents' shooting percentage.

3. On-field positioning: clear complementary relationships with roles

Smith's positioning in the team is "space-type number four". His main role is to open up space for core players such as Jaylen Green and Alperen Shinkyung, to restrain the opponent's inside defense through three-pointers, and occasionally participate in the end of the pick-and-roll. Due to his limited independent offensive ability, he is more suitable as a "supporting role" and relies on his teammates to create shooting opportunities.

Ethan is an "all-round front engineer". He does not need too much ball rights, but he can provide energy on both offense and defense: he contributes points through empty cuts without the ball and fast breaks on the offense, and he undertakes the task of keeping the opponent's core outside line on the defensive end, while taking into account rebound protection. His role is more like a "glue player" and can make up for the team's shortcomings in the intensity of confrontation and defensive hardness.

4. Future development prospects: The difference between upper limit and lower limit

Smith's upper limit depends on "technical breakthrough". If he can improve his finishing efficiency and ball-holding ability at the basket, he is expected to become a "space-type All-Star insider" similar to Chris Bosh. However, at present, his progress is slow and his technical shortcomings are difficult to make up for quickly. The lower limit may be a qualified rotational shooter.

Ethan's prospects rely more on "maintaining advantages". His style is similar to PJ Tucker or Gerald Wallace. If he can further stabilize his three-point shooting percentage and reduce defensive fouls, he is expected to become the league's top 3D forward line and even strive for the best defensive lineup. Due to his high technical maturity, his lower limit is higher, and at least he can become the team's main rotation, while the upper limit depends on whether more independent offensive means can be developed.

Conclusion: Different functions, strength depends on the scene

Overall, Ethan is better at the practicality of this stage - his defensive strength, finishing efficiency and game enthusiasm are all the characteristics that the Rockets need urgently at present; and Smith's advantage lies in his height and projection potential. If he can realize his talent in the future, the upper limit may be higher.. But in terms of "immediate combat power", Ethan's contribution is more direct and stable, and the gap between the two will become more obvious when the intensity of the game increases. For the Rockets who are aiming to rebuild, Ethan is the "now" and Smith is the "future", but the value of "now" often determines the direction of the team.