At 20 years old, Jabari Smith Jr. remains one of the youngest players on the Houston Rockets by age. Despite having a year of NBA experience under his belt, during which he earned All-Rookie Second Team honors, Smith is actually younger than newly drafted rookie Amen Thompson (No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 first round).
That gives Smith, the No. 3 overall pick from the 2022 first round, a unique perspective from which to evaluate Houston’s other talented young prospects. So, what did Smith learn after playing alongside Thompson and fellow first-round rookie Cam Whitmore (No. 20) during a successful 5-1 stint at the NBA’s 2023 summer league?
Smith opened up about that subject and much more on a new episode of The Bradeaux & Will Show. Among his comments:
They are two of the most athletic people that I’ve seen or played with. Not just jumping, I’m talking about speed and reactions.
Their instincts on defense, you can’t really teach that. You can teach where to be in spots… but just that knack for the ball, that’s like a gift. They both have that.
They were unselfish and they listen. They weren’t worried about their shots. They really just wanted to win. That’s what I liked most about them. They were cool to play with.
It’s unclear what rotation roles, if any, that Thompson and Whitmore will have once 2023-24 training camp opens for the Rockets in October. Unlike the last two seasons, in which playing time was immediately given to highly touted rookies such as Smith, Houston’s current roster features both young prospects and a wave of newly signed veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, and Jeff Green.
Thus, it remains to be seen if the time is now for Thompson and Whitmore, or if they might have to wait a bit. Regardless, it appears both have the right attitude to take advantage of any opportunity.
The complete podcast interview can be listened to below.
