Rockets' Jabari Smith Has 'Sky-High' Ceiling
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. can't order a drink in a bar, but he can average 12.8 points per game as a rookie.
Even as a high-profile draft pick, averaging double digits as a teenager in the NBA is no small feat. Considering the fact that most legitimate NBA stars don't come into their own until their mid-20s, Smith has heaps of potential.
"Smith, last summer's No. 3 pick, holds a sky-high ceiling as a 6'10" shot-maker who can switch on defense and potentially excel in pick-and-roll coverage," Bleacher Report writes. "As a rookie, though, he shot a disappointing 30.7 percent from distance (40.8 percent overall), including a dismal 29.4 percent mark on catch-and-shoot threes."
Sure, Smith's rookie year brought on challenges and it was by no means perfect, but building blocks are set in place.
That foundation helped lead to a dominant Summer League showcase, where Smith looked like the best player in Las Vegas during his two-game performance. During Summer League, there was a chance to see what Smith could be if he can figure out the puzzle and everything goes right.
If he does figure it out, the sky is truly the limit.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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