The No. 3 pick in the 2022 draft led all players—along with fellow rookie Tari Eason—with 21 points in Houston's 134-96 victory over the Spurs, adding eight rebounds. Smith made his greatest impact on the offensive end, where he flashed his sweet shooting stroke. The Auburn product drained five threes against San Antonio, including a smooth pull-up triple in transition early in the second half. You won’t see many 6-foot-10 players hit such a shot with ease, let alone those entering their first professional season.
Smith, who's apparently still getting taller, shot 42 percent from three in his lone year at Auburn last season, and his unique offensive skill-set was a notable factor in his rise to the top of the 2022 draft class. Yet it’s his defensive potential that most intrigues the Rockets entering the 2022-23 campaign. Houston coach Stephen Silas highlighted Smith’s prowess as a defender during Monday’s media day, noting Smith could make a major and immediate impact in his rookie season.
"He’s such a gifted defensive player, like now," Silas said Monday. "Him as a defender is what I’m so, so excited about."
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball to score his first points in the NBA during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Houston's Toyota Center. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty ImagesSmith wasn’t the only Rockets player to finish in double figures on Sunday night. Veteran guard Eric Gordon hit a trio of threes en route to a 13-point performance, and second-year center Alperen Şengün added 13 points of his own along with three assists. Eason in particular was a force off the bench. The former LSU Tiger finished Monday night with 21 points and 10 rebounds, posting a plus-14 in 21 minutes.
Silas was able to empty his bench in Houston’s blowout victory, with 15 Rockets registering at least one minute on the floor. With just two preseason games remaining until opening night, a similarly-deep rotation is likely on tap over the next two weeks.
Overreaction to preseason contests is a cardinal sins across sports, and the Rockets still face an uphill climb at reaching the play-in tournament this season. Yet even coming off a pair of sub-25 win seasons, this isn’t a roster devoid of talent. Second-year guard Jalen Green has shown serious flashes as a potential franchise anchor. There’s considerable upside with both Şengün and point guard Kevin Porter Jr.
Smith is now the latest intriguing piece on Houston's roster. After Sunday’s standout performance, expectations remain high for the Rockets’ latest lottery pick.
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