The Rockets have selected Auburn forward Jabari Smith with the third overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft.
In 34 games (28.8 MPG) in his lone college season, the 6’10” Smith averaged 16.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG and 1.0 BPG. Smith led the Tigers to a 28-6 overall and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, where the team lost in the second round to Miami (FL).
The 19-year-old earned numerous accolades for his standout season, including Consensus All-America Second Team, All-SEC First Team, and SEC Rookie of the Year, among others.
Smith has the ability to make an array of incredibly difficult shots in a variety of ways, including step-backs, fadeaways, pull-up jumpers in transition, and coming off screens. Despite facing frequent double teams, he converted 42% of his three-pointers and 79.9% of his free throws.
Smith is also viewed as an energetic, intense, and “highly versatile defender” who can switch across multiple positions, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. His shot-making prowess and strong defense should fit in nicely with a young Houston squad that struggled mightily to score last season — the Rockets were 26th in the league in offensive rating and 21st in three-point percentage.
Smith falling to No. 3 was unexpected, because for well over a month league insiders had him going No. 1 overall to Orlando.
If it couldn’t be Paolo, then I’m glad we got Smith. Looking forward to see who else the Rockets get this draft .
I was hoping for Paolo. Just like last year with Mobley, they didn’t get who I felt was more suitable for the Rockets. Smith is a pleasant surprise at 3rd pick and curious why Orlando and OKC passed over him. He was highly regarded amongst the majority.
With that said, I wonder if it’s physical concerns or bad personality? Could it be that he can’t read a play book or struggles with transitioning? There are so many questions why he dropped to third. Come camp time, I am curious what comes from Smith.
Rocket’s also drafted another forward at the 17th pick. With so many youngguards with the likes of Green, KPJ, Christopher, and Nix with a veteran like Schroder and Green, I’m glad they went heavy with forwards. That 29th pick has me curious where that is going. I’d be on the phone and trying to use that pick with Wood or Wall to get rid of that pick by a next years first round or a veteran center. As of now (not including wood) Sengun, Garuba, Tate Jr, Kenyan Martin Jr, Smith, and this other draftee forward, with have both forwards and center covered. I can see Nwaba and Martin Jr being packaged with either of these 3: Wall, Gordon, or Wood. Strongest of the trade can be Wood/Martin Jr combo with Secondary option being Wall/Martin Jr
You know that Christian Wood has already been traded.
To who? I thought he was still here
OKC must know about Holmgren health issues. Cause I would have taken Smith. Works out great for Rockets. Smith is young. So he can develop with a young Rocket team. Rockets still need a rim protector.
TyTy was a great pick for them. Imo Porter is gone. And that’s best for team too. TyTy and Green is a great backcourt imo. Rockets should be ecstatic….
Add in Eason ….
Rockets had a great draft tonight. They get my top grade.
I doubt KPJ is gone. With Christopher, Tyty, Green and KPJ with Nix and Martin JR there in case of injury. If any young player going it would be Martin Jr and Nix as a possible “kicker”. I believe Schroder and Gordon are traded soon as well. Martin Jr could help a Gordon trade as a combo package.
Schroder is a FA.