Rivalry Brewing: Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Takes Note Of Victor Wembanyama's Lottery Reaction
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets did not win the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery Tuesday night. The Rockets obtained the No. 4 pick, while the San Antonio Spurs landed the top overall selection and the right to draft Victor Wembanyama.
The French phenom said in February that he wasn't opposed to joining any team. But after NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed that the Rockets had fallen to the fourth overall pick, Wembanyama gave a slight celebration upon learning Houston's fate.
Wembanyama may have celebrated. But Rockets' second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. noted Wembanyama's actions on Twitter.
Smith did not clarify his tweet Wednesday morning. But it's safe to assume he felt disrespected by Wembanyama's reaction.
Smith expressed his thoughts on Wembanyama following the 2022-23 campaign on April 9 by describing the projected No. 1 pick as a "problem." But instead of creating a promising frontcourt in Houston, Smith and Wembanyama could form a competitive rival within the southwest division.
Although the consensus has touted Wembanyama as the best prospect since LeBron James in 2003. Smith would make for a challenging opponent.
As a rookie, Smith had several impressive defensive performances but none more significant than against All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum.
His defense held Antetokounmpo (16) and Tatum (22) to a combined 38 points on an average of 38.8 percent shooting while helping the Rockets win their respective home contests against the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.
Smith showcased his two-way potential after helping the Rockets end an 11-game losing streak against the Spurs on March 4. He averaged 24.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals on .614/.625/.769 shooting splits over the next three games.
Wembanyama's reaction to the Spurs winning the lottery was a complete 180. He expressed his joy and excitement with his family upon seeing the results. By joining the Spurs, Wembanyama will have a chance to start his career under Hall-of-Fame coach Gregg Popovich.
"I’m really happy," Wembanyama told ESPN. "I really can’t wait to meet the fans and to meet hopefully the team I’m about to go to."
Wembanyama did not attend the draft lottery due to the ongoing French League season. He led the Metropolitans 92 to a 93-85 victory over Paris on Tuesday with a game-high 26 points and nine rebounds. Wembanyama has averaged 21.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks this season.
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