It’s safe to say that Jabari Smith Jr. is having a tougher transition to the NBA than most guys.
The 3rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Smith is currently averaging 15.3 points and 7 rebounds per game. That sounds strong. However, they are showing an average of 35.7 / 35.5 / 100% shooting split. While the numbers aren’t great early on, there are reasons to be optimistic if you’re a Houston Rockets fan.
Jabari Smith Jr. offense
Coming into the league, the biggest selling point on Smith was his combination of size and shooting ability. He is officially listed at 6’11, 220 pounds, and shot 42% on 188 attempts in one season at Auburn. Coupled with his shooting form, there is reason to believe he will be the best shooter in the class.
He is averaging nearly 14 field goal attempts per game so far, half of which are from three-point range. Interestingly, as opposed to being all positional odds, dynamic games were played for him. In his best game yet against Utah, Smith was attacking from close range, hitting pull-up threes in transition and attacking the boards. He shot 60% from the floor and beyond the arc in that game. Pick-and-pops have been shown, with mixed results, but encouraging to see. He’s also shooting 50% on pull-up threes, although at low volume, he’s good to go.
Jabari Smith had his best game of the season against the Jazz. In Houston’s first win, he put up 21 points on an 83.1 TS%, grabbed 9 boards, dished 2 assists and blocked 3 shots.
It is the most efficient game and the first game is started in the middle position. Full Highlights: pic.twitter.com/hcXhh8L1kM
– Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) October 25, 2022
However, his percentage was rough everywhere except from three and the basket. Jabari Smith is currently shooting 36% on 2-pointers. Smith has gone to mid-range pullups at times, shooting 25% of his shots. And while he is shooting 75% at the basket, only 7% of his attempts are at the basket.
On the defensive end…
Jabari Smith is a bit small at the moment. At 6’11, he only weighs 220 pounds, so he’s pretty slim. As a result, head coach Stephen Silas played Smith at both power and center, including starting at center against Utah.
Through the first four games of the season, Smith has a 126.6 defensive rating, which ranks 358th in the NBA. Despite its height, it is not a natural rim protector. In college, Walker was able to stick to the perimeter while Kessler served as a rim protector. What should be noted is that Smith is making an effort on defense. There are times when he switches to the guard or forces a bad shot, as Lauri Markkanen did in the Utah game.
Great defensive night from Jabari Smith last night and overall a great game on both ends. Defensively, we’ve seen his extremely active hands work well for him with 3 blocks and force Markkane into a strong shooting motion where his hands are all over the place. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/sM6G2XNrzY
– Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) October 25, 2022
It was also the time when he was elected. For example, in the season-opener against Atlanta, John Collins repeatedly went to Smith in the post. In those few moments, Collins went for a mid-range shot and Smith was caught flat-footed and unable to contest the shot. In the Milwaukee game, Giannis Antetokounmpo was passing through Smith on consecutive drives to the rim. He’s had trouble early as he’s been called for five fouls in two of his four games so far.
The future of Jabari Smith
It may not be pretty now, but it’s important to remember that you’re still 19. He didn’t get much time to warm up due to an injury before the pre-season. While the percentages aren’t great at the moment, it’s encouraging to see the Rockets get involved early. You can see him grow up with the rest of Houston’s young core.
