Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Reveals Goals for Next Season
Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. may have been the best two-way player on the team last season, as his 16 double-doubles were the most by a Rockets rookie since 7-foot-6 center Yao Ming in 2003. This feat was also the most by a teenage forward (in a single season) in NBA history.
Smith, 20, is hoping to ride these accolades into next season, but he revealed on The Bradeaux & Will Show that he has a few goals in mind.
"Just being the most consistent everyday guy that I could be," Smith said. "I want to go into every game with the same mentality and don't change it the whole season."
Smith's two-way abilities were severely overlooked last season due to the Rockets' abysmal 22-60 record. However, he stated that he'd do anything to push the Rockets higher in the standings.
"I just want to impact winning, that's my biggest thing," Smith said. "Whether it's averaging 10 points or 20, I want to affect winning and be in the winning culture."
Smith explained that his one personal goal is also heavily meant for the team's success as well.
"I want to strive to win the Most Improved Player award," Smith said. "I feel like I've been working so hard this summer, why wouldn't I try to get that award? If I had that success, I know our team would have that success."
Smith said that his "ultimate goal" was to make it to the postseason. That may be a bit too optimistic, but crazier things have happened in the association.
He, along with the rest of his relatively inexperienced team, will have to climb through a historic number of hoops to reach the playoffs. He, along with the rest of his relatively inexperienced team, will have to climb through a historic number of hoops to reach the playoffs.
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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