Jabari Smith’s Breakout Season Sparks Rockets’ Playoff Hopes
Jabari Smith entered the NBA at a pivotal moment for the Houston Rockets, who were in the early stages of a significant rebuilding effort. After trading away their franchise cornerstone, James Harden, in 2021, the Rockets were charting a new course for the first time in over a decade. In this context, they selected Jalen Green in the previous draft, only to follow up by securing Smith with the third overall pick.
Smith was heralded as a versatile two-way forward, boasting the potential to be a switchable defender and a rim protector. Offensively, the Rockets envisioned him as a reliable stretch four or, at times, even a stretch five, capable of replicating the impressive outside shooting he showcased during his solitary season at Auburn. However, developing within a rebuilding franchise proved challenging for the young player.
Navigating Early Challenges
During his rookie season, Smith faced the natural growing pains that accompany the transition to the NBA, especially on a team grappling with more losses than wins. The Rockets prioritized player development and future draft picks over immediate success, which put additional pressure on Smith. In contrast, rookie teammate Tari Eason made a more immediate impact, averaging 12.8 points despite shooting just 40.8% from the field and 30.7% from three-point range over 79 games.
Despite the challenges, Smith showed resilience and made notable improvements as the season progressed. His trajectory shifted markedly when the Rockets moved away from their rebuilding phase, hiring Ime Udoka and aiming for a more competitive outlook. This transformation culminated in the Rockets returning to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season, which marked Harden’s last full year with the franchise.
A Career Year for Smith
Now in his fourth season, Jabari Smith is enjoying a career year that has elevated both his game and the Rockets’ fortunes. Following a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Golden State Warriors, the Rockets recognized the need for a transformative addition. They acquired future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, a move that provided the team with a much-needed offensive leader and redefined their capabilities on the court.
With Durant on board, the Rockets have surged, ranking among the top five teams in various offensive categories through the first 30 games of the season. Smith has emerged as one of the primary beneficiaries of this new dynamic. He is currently posting career highs across multiple statistical categories, including points, three-point shooting percentage, overall shooting efficiency, assists, and steals. Remarkably, he has logged significant minutes, missing only one game throughout the year, showcasing his durability and commitment.
Consistency Amid Change
As the Rockets navigate injuries and integrate new players alongside Durant, Smith has remained a cornerstone of consistency, contributing significantly to the team’s success. In a recent victory over the Indiana Pacers, he delivered an impressive performance, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds—marking his seventh double-double of the season and fifth in just nine games.
If Smith can maintain this level of production, he may very well be the key to the Rockets achieving their first deep playoff run since the 2017-18 season. As the team continues to evolve, Smith’s growth and contributions could be the driving force behind a promising postseason campaign for Houston.
