As the young Houston Rockets emerge from the NBA’s 2023 All-Star break, they’re still without injured backcourt starters Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green and adjusting to life after trading Eric Gordon. With a clear scoring void, can Jabari Smith Jr. step up?
Dave Hardisty, founder and owner of ClutchFans, was one of Smith’s biggest supporters during the 2022 draft process. In Thursday’s “The Lager Line” podcast, sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, Hardisty explains why he remains bullish on Smith’s long-term future despite shooting below expectations as a rookie.
With usual hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves moderating the discussion, the episode also explores several offseason hypotheticals involving Smith and the rest of a young Rockets roster. Topics include whether 2023 draft lottery results or a pursuit of James Harden in free agency might potentially make one of Houston’s talented young prospects available by trade — and if so, which one is most likely to go.
Thursday’s full podcast can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”
