The context to Houston wasn’t particularly ideal, because the youngsters were on the whole left to their own devices, but Jabari Smith Jr. still managed to earn a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team.
With 12.8 points and 7.2 average rebounds (at 41% shooting, including 31% from 3-pointers), the 3rd choice of the 2022 Draft blew hot and cold for a good part of the season, ending it however on a good note, with nearly 16 points and 8 rebounds on average in his last 20 games (47% in shooting, including 37% from 3-pointers).
Enough to allow him to look forward to his second year in the league with appetite, even if Jabari Smith Jr. admits to being a little unsatisfied, given his “simple” presence in the second best rookie five…
” It’s a great accomplishment, but I know there’s a lot more ahead of me. », he thus explained, this week-end. ” It’s already something important but, given the way I work, I will use it as a source of motivation. I underperformed my standards this year and I know I have to be better next year. »
However, if he can obviously understand his disappointment, Kevin Porter Jr. really wants his young teammate to realize the value of this selection.
” It’s hard to accomplish any achievement in this league, because there is so much talent, so just being considered one of the best rookies is already a great way to start your career. “, Estimates the” combo guard “about Jabari Smith Jr.
Ime Udoka to make the most of “Locksmith”?
We can in any case expect that the 2023/24 season of Rocketsand that of their strong winger of just 20 years, is already more exciting and ambitious, thanks to the arrival of Ime Udoka on the Texas bench.
Jabari Smith Jr. and his new coach were also able to talk together this weekend, on the sidelines of an event organized by their franchise, with Rafael Stone and Kevin Porter Jr. A first positive contact, according to the one who is nicknamed “Locksmith” thanks to his defensive qualities.
” I don’t know him yet “, declared the former resident of Auburn University, ” but he’s a really cool guy. He’s a good guy and I can’t wait to get to know him better. I learn different things about him and he also gets to know me. »
While waiting to be able to evolve (and flourish?) under the orders of Ime Udoka, Jabari Smith Jr. is already preparing himself by training with his father, Jabari Smith Sr, while taking boxing lessons and yoga, to work on your coordination, your footwork or your mind.
| Jabari Smith, Jr. | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2022-23 | HOO | 79 | 31 | 40.8 | 30.7 | 78.6 | 1.5 | 5.7 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 12.8 |
| Total | 79 | 31 | 40.8 | 30.7 | 78.6 | 1.5 | 5.7 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 12.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
