Compared to his disappointing rookie season in 2022-23, Houston Rockets forward Jabari. showed improvements in shooting efficiency and defense during his sophomore season in 2023-24. However, his overall stats, including points, rebounds, and blocks, didn’t see significant increases and still fall behind those of other top prospects from the 2022 NBA draft, like Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren and Orlando’s Paolo Banchero.
Despite this, there’s reason to be optimistic about Smith’s future, as he’s one of the youngest players in his draft class. Even as he prepares for his third NBA season in 2024-25, Smith only turned 21 years old after his second season ended this spring.
So, could this be the year Jabari Smith Jr. makes a significant leap? Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes seems to think so, as he included Smith in his list of five breakout candidates for the upcoming season.
According to Hughes:
Jabari Smith Jr. stands out as the most likely young Rocket to take a major step forward, largely due to his improving outside shot. Last season, Smith made significant strides, boosting his three-point shooting percentage from 30.7% as a rookie to 36.3%. As his shooting improved, so did his confidence, leading him to take more shots off the dribble and become a more consistent impact player. He scored in double figures in 20 of his last 25 games, and Houston won 14 of the 22 games where he hit at least three three-pointers.
Smith is also an excellent rebounder whose length and competitiveness make him a perfect defensive partner for Alperen Sengün. His ability to space the floor will be crucial in all of Houston’s best lineups. While other Rockets players may be competing for minutes and offensive opportunities, Smith seems indispensable in any lineup configuration.
His potential to handle more time as a defensive anchor at center could even push Houston to consider moving Sengün, who is eligible for an extension before becoming a restricted free agent in 2025.
Smith is expected to play significant minutes and make impactful contributions on both ends of the court, possibly even stepping into a “Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat” role that could earn him All-Star recognition as soon as this season.
Smith was selected by the Rockets with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, following Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero, who were picked second and first, respectively.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, Smith is set to start at power forward for the Rockets once again. He’ll be part of a Houston frontcourt that includes Alperen Sengün at center, Dillon Brooks at small forward, and key reserves like Tari Eason, Steven Adams, and Amen Thompson.
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