Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. fractured his left hand during Friday’s shootaround, the team announced today (Twitter link via Shams Charania of ESPN).
The 6’11” big is expected to be sidelined for four-to-eight weeks, according to the Rockets.
The 21-year-old is averaging 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game this season across 33 contests, all starts. He has registered .435/.354/.867 shooting splits.
Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle reports that Smith will have to undergo surgery to address the break in his non-shooting hand. The timing of that procedure hinges on the club getting another opinion on the injury, which will help Houston determine the severity.
With Smith sidelined during a critical part of the 2024/25 season, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka may look to replace the Auburn product with a defensive-oriented reserve forward like Tari Eason or Amen Thompson.
At 22-11 on the year, the Rockets currently occupy the Western Conference’s No. 3 overall seed, and are just a half-game behind the second-seeded Grizzlies.
Tough break for the Rockets Jabari was looking really good the past 10-15 games. Silver lining this probably earns Cam Whitmore more minutes so hopefully no more odd interviews from him
Whwn available, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson get these minutes before Whitmore, no?
Eason’s leg injury has been a mystery not much info has been released about it
And the same leg which caused him to miss a good chunk of last season. Not good.
If you need scoring you have to go to Cam, but Tari is the best of the 3 as of now.
By giving the same opportunity, Eason is a better player than Smith.
I’m a bigger fan of Amen Thompson than I am Tari Eason. Both seem to be amazing up and coming players but Amen seems like he could win DPOY one year and if he develops an outside shot he could be a top 5 player in the league his defense is that good. Tari is the big engine that never slows down he gives it 150% anytime he’s on the court. A bunch of riches the rockets have and I didn’t even mention barely 20 year old Cam “buckets” Whitmore. If Reed Shepard comes around watch out
Tough break *badum tss*
Wishing him well though
That sucks. Like Jabari, still young. Get well Kid.
Do Rockets go after Jimmy NOW. They got the goods. And will still have a deep team, young.
Don’t think Jimmy or Fox ends up in Houston. Just doesn’t make sense to give up the assets it would take to get either. Won’t lead to a championship this year just stay the course and be patient superstar divas are popping up left and right now a days.
Hoping Tari comes back and gets that spot. He’s a beast. Rebounds, shoots threes, defends great.
If anything all I’m looking to do is flip Brooks and give Thompson and Whitmore more minutes. Hopefully get back an expiring deal and really attack free agency
Have you watched Brooks play for the rockets? He has brought some much toughness, plays really good defense, and his offense game this year has been quite nice. Rockets have a lot of good players who need minutes. It was shocking to see Uncle Jeff starting today
Nah I’ve watched a lot and your right Brooks is great at setting the energy level and his all round play has been good. It’s just about what you want to achieve I guess.
Brooks makes sense to keep if you want to try stay near the top of the standings in the west but ultimately I don’t think they make it pay the first round. Trading Brooks opens up minutes for the young guys who are the future of this franchise. Maybe you can get out of Brooks deal and get some expring money and they gives you the money you need for a big name FA in the offseason.
I think Udoka wants to stay winning and will keep Brooks and in the offseason if they want a big name it’ll be a sign and trade using Brooks that gets it done. Which is fine I just would like to see more of the young guys