Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr.: Most Improved Player?

Jabari Smith Jr. could be in line to win the Most Improved Player of the Year Award if he has a strong second season with the Houston Rockets.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. is hoping to capitalize off a strong Summer League performance in his second NBA season.

Smith averaged a Summer League-high 35.5 points, seven rebounds and four assists over the previous two games.

In his rookie campaign, Smith averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, numbers he'll look to improve upon with a new point guard and coach.

Led by a strong defensive coach in Ime Udoka, Smith could see a solid sophomore jump, one that could land him among the Most Improved Player Award candidates.

ESPN ran a survey with its experts and Smith ranked second among everyone in the league in who can win the Most Improved Player Award this season behind former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, who is coming off an injury-laden season with the Detroit Pistons.

Other Rockets included in the survey were Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun.

Earlier this month, Smith stated that winning the Most Improved Player Award is a goal of his.

"I want to strive to win the Most Improved Player award," Smith said on The Bradeaux & Will Show. "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."

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You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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