[RebelSun]

Convince me why Yi Jianlian will be a better NBA player than Jason Smith.

[silverpaw1786]

There are no guarantees on a guy like Jianlian, but in your own words,
"he's huge, athletic, and has perimeter skills"

Smith has some athleticism but not close to that of Jianlian. Smith's size is equal to Jianlian's and his perimeter skills are ok but not in the same league. Smith will be an ok offensive player and an ok defensive player as long as he has a strong SF or C to help him out. Jianlian could be a very special offensive player a la Dirk Nowitzki.

[lw32]

Marketability, baby! Yi will get his chance to shine time and time again because he'll sell jerseys and create a huge surge in revenue for whichever team drafts him. Sure, Yi might not be a better NBA player but I'm positive he'll be given every chance to succeed. Jason Smith won't amount to much. He's weak, and doesn't enjoy banging. He's a poor defender and doesn't have the offensive abilities of Yi. While Yi is also relatively weak, he's able to take the defender out of the paint. Jason Smith can't. Smith reminds me of another 7' bust. Which means he'll stick around in the NBA and pick up some nice money. I wouldn't want him on my team though.

Yi is money in the bank regardless of whether he works out or not. Smith is just another 7 footer who will be overpaid come his free agency, if he sticks that long. At least if you overpay Yi you'll probably make some of the money back. Who is going to buy a Jason Smith jersey?