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| Jabari Smith Jr. (10). Photo Credit: Lucas Peltier/ USA Today Sports. |
Today, I open the file of Houston Rockets forward, Jabari Smith Jr. Most of this evaluation is from an assignment I did when I took a course for Sports Management Worldwide in 2022, so some of the analysis and information will be updated.
Team: Houston Rockets
Position: Forward/Center
HT: 6-11 WT: 220
Credentials:
SEC All-Freshman Team (2022)
First-team All-SEC (2022)
NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2023)
Strengths:
-Can score in multiple ways
-Fluid transition from dribble to jump shot
-Good ball handler
-Aggressive when attacking the basket, not afraid of contact
-Two-way player
-Versatile
-Athletic
-Stays with his man defensively; a willing help defender
-Decent shot blocker
-Runs the floor well
Weaknesses:
-Settles for too many jump shots
-Streaky shooter
-Doesn't demonstrate a lot of power in the low post
-Inconsistent rebounder
Final Analysis:
Jabari is a versatile, two-way player who can play multiple positions, who moves almost like a guard. He can score in multiple ways: as a shooter, attacking the basket, and in the low post. He handles the ball well for a big man, and although he's not known to get a lot of assists, in general, he's not a bad passer.
As a defender, he does a good job of using his length and sticking with his man. He's willing to rotate in help/team defense. He's not an intimidating shot blocker, but he does provide some rim protection.
He relies too much on his jump shot, and is a streaky shooter. He doesn't always demonstrate a lot of power in the low post; will settle for a fadeaway or a turnaround at times. I would like to see him go to the low post more. He's a decent rebounder, but I would like to see more consistency in this area, considering his height.
Overall, I like Jabari's game. A player with his size and versatility are hard to come by. He can play from the shooting guard to the center, although I think he's best between the small and power forward positions. While he isn't a lights out shooter, I wouldn't leave him open, either.
He reminds me a lot of Cliff Robinson in terms of skill set and position versatility. I think he's a good player with the upside to be better than what he is, but he's on a team where, at this point, he's shifting between the third and fourth option. I'm convinced that his full potential, particularly on offense, will show in the right situation.
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