Jabari Smith Jr. has experienced a tumultuous journey since entering the NBA. Selected third overall by the Houston Rockets, he was anticipated to be the first pick in his draft class. His eventual selection came after significant speculation, particularly regarding the Orlando Magic’s interest in him before the draft.
Performance and Changes in Role
Smith’s early career has been marked by inconsistency, influenced by changes in coaching staff and team dynamics. The Rockets, focusing on rebuilding, initially hoped Smith would be a cornerstone of their future. He faced challenges in adapting to the professional league.
Under coach Ime Udoka’s leadership, Smith’s role fluctuated. Injury in the 2024-2025 season made his status as a starter uncertain. He often found himself alternating between starting and coming off the bench, especially during crucial moments in games against teams like the Golden State Warriors.
Best Season Highlights
- Scored an average of 15.1 points per game.
- Grabbed 6.4 rebounds per game.
- Assisted with 1.9 assists per game.
- Achieved a 45% shooting percentage from the field.
- Recorded a 39.1% shooting percentage from three-point range.
- Posted a 54.5% effective field goal percentage.
- Had a true shooting percentage of 57.4%.
This season marked Smith’s best performance to date, showcasing significant improvement in various aspects of his game.
Omission from The Ringer’s Top 100 List
Despite his impressive season, Smith was surprisingly excluded from The Ringer’s Top 100 list. In contrast, teammate Tari Eason, who did not have a season as strong as Smith’s, was included. This has sparked discussions about the valuation of players based on subjective lists.
While some athletes disregard such rankings, others find motivation from them. Rockets player Alperen Sengun expressed indifference towards personal rankings, while Eason previously voiced frustration over his exclusion from ESPN’s list. Smith might also channel this oversight as motivation moving forward.
If he can harness this experience positively, it could benefit both him and the Rockets as they navigate the remainder of the season. Overall, Smith’s evolution as a player progresses amid the challenges he faces.
