Jabari Smith Jr. & the Houston Rockets are looking to take the next step in 2023-24. After a busy offseason that saw the team acquire the likes of Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks & rookie Amen Thompson, Houston’s looking to push for a playoff spot in Smith Jr.’s second season.
In his 2023 Summer League debut, Smith Jr. dropped 33! points (after scoring just 4 in 1st half) and cashed an incredible, line-drive triple, at the buzzer to win the game. He got an excellent lead pass from (fellow, rising sophomore) Tari Eason, got behind the defense, and sent Rockets fans home happy.
The celebration was notable: Smith Jr. immediately went over to former Rocket KJ Martin for a handshake before being mobbed by his Summer League teammates and “main roster” standouts Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. & Jae’Sean Tate. Though Houston was a (very) young team in 2022-23, their camaraderie was on point - should carry over nicely heading into next year.
The growth of both Jabari & Tari is vital - two, multi-faceted, two-way forwards, the duo reps the new wave skill set of Houston’s balanced lineup.