Rockets Forward Jabari Smith Jr. 'Has Taken a Huge Step', Says Head Coach Ime Udoka
The Houston Rockets have their fair share of young players that make an impact on the team, and one of the guys who has grown the most is forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. celebrates mid-game
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
While the numbers from his rookie year to his second year don't seem that different at first glance, he has improved his game a lot from last season. Head coach Ime Udoka thinks that the jump that Smith Jr. has taken is evident, and he talked more about it in an interview with Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson.
"It's not just spotting up or sitting in the corner and relying on jump shots only," Udoka said. "The defensive versatility that he brings has really impacted our group in a great way, and offensively, finding different ways to get it done. Obviously, his spot-up shooting is a huge asset for him, but we want him to post up and find his mid-range shots where he can rise up over guys.
"The goal for everybody is to be well-rounded so we don't have to rely on one person, it's a true team aspect... Jabari (Smith Jr.) has taken a huge step."
Smith Jr. is averaging 13.4 points per game compared to his 12.8 average in his rookie year. But it's when you look at his percentages that you really see the improvements that the young forward has made.
Last season, he shot a less than desirable 40 percent from the field and 30 percent from three. But this season, he is shooting a much-improved 47 percent from the field and 39 percent from three. If he can keep up this kind of play, his role on the Rockets could expand even more than it already has.
Smith Jr. and the rest of the Rockets will be back in action tonight against the Boston Celtics. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. from TD Garden.
