Jabari Smith Jr. was selected third overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. To begin with, he didn’t get to experience a rookie season in 2022-23 exactly as he envisioned it. Despite earning Second Team All-Rookie recognition, Auburn’s projected shooter made just 40.8% of his total shots and 30.7% from 3-point range.
However, his 2023-24 season is already starting to look much more promising after a brilliant performance in the 2023 NBA Summer League. Now, as Smith and the Rockets prepare to kick off training camp in early October, he has even higher goals for the new season.
In an episode of The Bradeaux & Will ShowSmith was asked about his personal goals for the upcoming season, to which he replied: “To just be the most consistent and reliable player that I can be. Go into every game with the same mindset. Don’t change. Impact the win. That’s my biggest priority. Whether it’s averaging 10 points or 20, I just want to influence winning. I definitely want to push myself to win the Most Improved Player award. I’ve worked so hard this summer, why wouldn’t I try for it?”
“If I have that success, I know our team will, too. Make the playoffs, play the play-in round or whatever. Make the postseason, that’s my ultimate goal.” Smith concluded.
That consistency was clearly demonstrated during Smith’s brilliant performance in Las Vegas. In two games with the Summer Rockets, both wins, Smith averaged 35.5 points (48.8% shooting from the field, 33.3% on 3-pointers), 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 32.2 minutes per game. A small sample of what he is capable of doing with a team that complements him.
2023-08-06 17:57:15
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