Though he remains just 20 years old, second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. has played a key role in several marquee victories for the Houston Rockets (18-16) in the 2023-24 NBA season.
One of those came last Saturday, when Smith had 14 points and 12 rebounds in a team-high 40 minutes during Houston’s upset victory over perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Defensively, Smith’s ability to defend the likes of Khris Middleton and Antetokounmpo was crucial with forwards Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks each sidelined by injury.
In a newly released interview, Udoka was asked about Smith’s year-two progress by Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, the team’s regional television partner for game broadcasts.
Regarding Smith’s areas of growth, Udoka said:
All-around game, and confidence. It’s not just spotting up, or sitting in the corner and relying on jump shots only.
The defensive versatility that he brings has really impacted our group in a great way. Offensively, he’s finding different ways to get it done. Off ball and spot-up shooting is a huge asset for him, but we want him to post up and find his mid-range shots, where he can rise up over guys.
The offensive glass [rebounding] has been the biggest improvement in the last month for him. It’s that mentality of going after it every time. He’s starting to make reads and handle [the ball], and make plays for other guys. The goal for everybody is to be well-rounded so that we don’t have to rely on any one person. It’s a true team aspect.
We see growth from all of our guys, and Jabari has taken a step, as well.
The complete Udoka interview can be viewed below.
Enjoyed this chat with @HoustonRockets Head Coach Ime Udoka about a variety of topics….
-Mindset this season
-Vet leadership
-Goals for Jalen
-Jabari's versatility
-Alperen's game & working with Tiago Splitter
-Rookie minutes
-Tari's impact (& who he reminds coach of!)
-Road… pic.twitter.com/0b8TSasIVY— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) January 8, 2024
For the 2023-24 season to date, Smith entered Monday averaging 13.4 points (48.2% FG, 39.0% on 3-pointers, 81.8% on free throws) and 8.7 rebounds in 30.8 minutes per game.
All are improvements from his 2022-23 rookie campaign.
