Jabari Smith Jr. lit up the NBA Summer League on Friday after he made an incredible buzzer-beater three-pointer to help the Houston Rockets beat the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 20-year-old was the third overall pick in 2022, and while many fans were in awe of his performance, some questioned why he is even playing in the Summer League. Smith Jr. gave a crisp response to all the people that have suggested this.
“I’m 20 years old. Why wouldn’t I play Summer League? We were 22-60 last year. I don’t feel like I’m in a position to just sit out. My rookie year wasn’t perfect, wasn’t great. So why not get out here and get reps, play with my new teammates and coaches, and just get a feel.”
Jabari Smith Jr. on why he's playing in Summer League:
"I'm 20 years old. Why wouldn't I play? We were 22-60 last year. My rookie year wasn't perfect, so why not get out here and get reps, play with my new teammates and coaches."
📺 https://t.co/6n0o1H51r1 pic.twitter.com/f2wvxmLmnn
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 8, 2023
The NBA Summer League is often seen as a showcase for rookies, and sophomore players rarely take part. But Smith Jr. has a very valid point when it comes to the Rockets, they weren’t very good last year. And any experience he can get on the court in a competitive environment against NBA-level talent can only be good.
Jabari Smith Jr. averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds as a rookie last season, and he will be hoping to leap this year. Being the third overall pick comes with expectations, and many think Jabari should be a star at some point. His attitude should be a big positive in his favor, he looks like he wants to succeed.
Jabari Smith Jr. Had Issues With The Rockets Head Coach Last Year
The Houston Rockets have brought in Ime Udoka to start the new NBA season after getting rid of Stephen Silas. And this could be a new lease on life for Jabari Smith Jr., who wasn’t in Silas’ good graces last season. At one point, the Head Coach openly said he wasn’t running any plays for the rookie.
“He is young and trying to find his way. Jabari has grit and toughness and tries defensively. And he’s not given much at all… I don’t run any plays for Jabari.”
If he can overcome a disappointing first season and take the new system in Houston into his stride, Smith Jr. could yet develop into a spectacular NBA player. He has all the skills necessary, and as he showed in his Summer League outing against the Blazers, also has the clutch gene.
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