Jabari Smith Jr. was the third overall pick to the Houston Rockets in the 2022 NBA Draft behind Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren. During his lone season at Auburn, Smith Jr. averaged 23.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.4 blocks and 3.2 treys per game. He converted 42% of his attempts from beyond the arc and, at 6′ 10″ with a 7′ 1″ wingspan and defensive versatility, he was billed as one of the next great two-way stars.
Through three NBA seasons, though, he hasn’t quite reached that threshold, averaging 13 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.7 treys. He has been able to stretch the floor, converting 34% of his attempts from beyond the arc, but the inability to create his own shot and finish strong in the paint have been big bugaboos.
With a $12.3 million club option on the final year of his rookie contract and acquisition of Kevin Durant, there was uncertainty as to his role and future in Houston. That has been eradicated as he intends to sign a five-year, $122 million extension to stay with the Rockets.
Alperen Sengun and recently signed Steven Adams have the center position locked up. Both Smith Jr. and Durant have primarily been playing power forward recently, but with Dillon Brooks now in Phoenix, the small forward role is vacant. Earlier in his career, Durant played plenty of small forward. Back in 2021-22 with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant played 23% at small forward. Smith Jr. played 5% at small forward last season.
With the hefty extension, it’s highly unlikely that Smith Jr. is just going to back up Durant at power forward. Exactly how Ime Udoka manages the rotations is unknown, but Smith Jr. will likely play around 30 minutes a game while Durant sees around 37 minutes per contest.
