Lately, on Reddit, a lively debate has sparked among basketball fans closely following the Houston Rockets about two intriguing talents: Ace Bailey and Jabari Smith Jr.
Bailey is a standout prospect who is drawing attention for his bold, aggressive style, while Smith, on the other hand, is a cornerstone of the Rockets’ rebuild and faces questions about his fit and impact.
Ace Bailey: Aggressive Talent Fans Take
Bailey is quickly becoming a name to watch. At 6’7″, this wing player combines size, athleticism, and scoring skill in a way that’s drawing fans and analysts’ attention.
One Reddit user put it simply: “Ace is way more aggressive than Jabari, though,” capturing the essence of what sets Bailey apart. Even with a less polished handle, the aggression has fans drawing parallels to Seattle’s Rashard Lewis, a smooth-scoring forward from the early 2000s.
What’s got people really excited, though, isn’t just his offense. He got the tools to be a pest on defense too, with quick feet and instincts that suggest he could guard multiple spots.
Ace Bailey is getting massively undervalued
byu/WhoUCuh inNBA_Draft
“You don’t need a handle if you can still get to your spots and get your shot off,” another Reddit commenter noted, highlighting how Bailey makes the most of his skills.
Some fans are so confident in his potential that they label him one of the draft’s biggest steals.
“Ace Bailey is the clear-cut 3rd-best prospect in this draft. Don’t overthink it!” the same passionate fan insisted, arguing that his draft stock may be overlooked as teams lock in their final boards.
Jabari Smith Jr.: Steady but Scrutinized in Houston
Over in Houston, Smith, drafted No. 3 in 2022, the 6’11” forward came in with big expectations. He’s been a solid piece for the Rockets, showing off his range and holding his own defensively against some of the league’s best.
But in a way, not everyone’s convinced he’s living up to the hype. Some fans see his game as too cautious, especially when stacked against a firecracker like Bailey.
The criticism isn’t universal, though.
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One Reddit user jumped to his defense, saying, “Have you watched Jabari Smith play in the NBA? Anything but detrimental to the rockets offense Imao go watch him vs the warriors.”
Here, it’s a fair point; Smith had his moments, like a standout game against Golden State where his shooting and smarts shone through.
Still, the chatter persists, and he doesn’t take over games like a top pick should. His style leans toward efficiency and team play, which is valuable, but it’s left some Rockets faithful wondering if he’s got the killer instinct to be a go-to guy.
Comparing Ace Bailey and Jabari Smith Jr.’s Styles
So, what’s the real difference between these two? Let’s say it’s all about how they approach the game. Bailey’s the type to grab the ball and go, hunting his shot with a fearless edge. That boldness is a big part of why fans are hyped about him, but it’s not without risks.
“If the only argument is that he’s more aggressive, we can infer that he’ll be just like Jabari but take even more stupid shots, make even more bad decisions, etc.,” one skeptic on Reddit warned.
Holy shit man you are missing the whole point… it’s all relative. That means if we call someone like Jabari Smith who is 6’10 barefoot a 7’ footer he is still the same amount taller than Ace Bailey. Who is 6’7 and 6’9 in shoes. The difference is the same there.
— Hornets Central (@HornetsCentraI) May 16, 2025
On the flip side, Smith is more of a thinker on the court. He picks his spots, works within the offense, and rarely forces the issue. That can keep turnovers down and the ball moving, but it also means he’s not always driving the action.
For a Rockets team still finding its identity, one would say that the contrast raises questions. Do they need a spark plug like Bailey to shake things up, or is Smith’s steady hand the better long-term fit? Both approaches have merits, though, and the duo has room to grow into their best selves.
So, it’s about patience and vision. Smith’s growth will shape the Rockets’ timeline, while a player like Bailey might be the missing link. Fans will always argue; that’s part of the fun.
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