Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. Applying Jalen Green's Advice For Post All-Star Break Leap
HOUSTON — Jabari Smith Jr. is looking at the final 24 games as the lead to a big summer going into his sophomore campaign, which will begin Friday night when the Houston Rockets return from the All-Star break to face off against the 29-30 Golden State Warriors.
"It's all about improving on things I was struggling with," Smith said. "I have to start making shots, putting together wins, and getting some confidence going into next season."
Smith, the Rockets' No. 3 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, has had a mediocre rookie year. He has averaged 12.0 points on .400/.289/.784 shooting splits while adding 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks through the first 58 games.
He has credited the mental aspect as part of his struggles, most noticeably, the challenge of X's and O's when getting accustomed to the NBA.
Smith's first-year struggles have drawn comparison to Jalen Green. And as someone whose play took a major leap post All-Star break last season, Green has shared his experience with Smith, who is hoping to replicate his second-half success.
"Jalen told me coming out of the All-Star break is a fresh start," Smith said. "He said don't look at the beginning of the season because you are a different player. I'm just trying to take what I've learned and apply it in these last few games."
As the No. 2 overall pick, Green came to the Rockets with lofty expectations. But it took him a while before he consistently showcased his talents to close out his rookie season.
Green averaged 14.6 points on 39.2 percent shooting through the first 59 games. But following the All-Star break, he averaged 22.1 points on 47.2 percent shooting.
Green said he used the break to refocus and work on his game upon returning to Houston. Green also said he spent time receiving advice from several players part taking in the All-Star game in Cleveland.
Smith had a similar experience one year later.
Smith went home to Atlanta to regain his focus and work on his game. He also received advice from Bam Adebayo and C.J. McCollum during his weekend stay in Utah. Smith revealed each player he spoke with shared words of encouragement on how to move past a rocky rookie season.
When the Rockets held their first practice post-All-Star break inside the Toyota Center Tuesday evening, Smith held a lengthy shooting session alongside assistant coach John Lucas II. With a renewed mindset, Smith was rolling from the right side, making several shots inside and outside the arc.
If Smith's shooting session indicates what's in store during the final 24 games, the rookie prospect from Auburn University could end his first season on a historic tear.
"I'm just trying to fix some things [with my shooting] — I feel like my shot changed over the season," Smith said. "I've been trying to get it back to where it was at the start of the season. But more so, where it was in college."
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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