Jabari Smith Jr. has had a rough first two seasons in the league. His first season was far from stellar, by his own admission.
However, he took the field in the 2023 Summer League and was the best player on the field every time he stepped on the field. His sophomore season was significantly better than his freshman campaign, but even that wasn’t a masterpiece.
Now, we know that Smith is capable of being a moderately decent long-range shooter, as well as being a useful defender, Smith played a bit of small-ball center after Alperen Sengun went down with injury and he was absolutely lethal in that role.
This season will be important for Smith for several reasons. First, he will be eligible for an extension after this season.
Additionally, the Rockets’ hopes of joining one of the top teams in the Western Conference will be dashed if he doesn’t continue to progress.
The third-year forward was selected as one of seven players who will make a leap to stardom in 2024-25, as Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz explained.
“As he prepares for his third season in the NBA, Jabari Smith Jr. is a player to watch as he could be able to make the leap to superstardom. Somewhat overlooked as a difference-maker alongside Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, Smith will have the opportunity to make his mark this year.
Smith improved over the course of last season and could be ready to take an even bigger step in his development this season.
Even though Smith hasn’t taken a big step forward in his development yet, that doesn’t mean he won’t.
Smith is extremely talented and has ideal size for the modern NBA. He could be ready to make the leap to stardom this season.”
This offseason has been a big one for the former top-three pick, as he made Team USA’s Select Team alongside teammate Amen Thompson. He also has the benefit of knowing his role under Ime Udoka, in addition to Udoka’s expectations for him.
The Rockets would surely like to see Smith take a step toward stardom this season.
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