Tag: Jabari Smith Jr.

Rockets at Spurs, Oct. 16: Live stream, how to watch, TV channel, start time

In the first of three games in 11 days between the teams, Jabari Smith Jr. and the #Rockets visit San Antonio on Monday. Victor Wembanyama is sitting out.

As the NBA’s 2023 draft lottery countdown ticked down in May, French phenom Victor Wembanyama appeared to celebrate when it became known that the Houston Rockets would not land the No. 1 overall pick in the first round (and with that, a chance to draft him).

One person who clearly took notice was Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 3 overall pick from the 2022 draft class.

Now, with Smith enjoying his own career breakout of late, he could have an opportunity to match up with Wembanyama in one of two preseason matchups on Monday and Wednesday in San Antonio. The Rockets and Spurs will also meet in the second game of the 2023-24 regular season on Friday, Oct. 27, making for three games between the teams in an 11-day span — all at the Frost Bank Center.

Unfortunately, any Wembanyama-Smith duel will have to wait until at least Wednesday, since the rookie is sitting out Monday for rest.

In recent years, the rivalry between the storied Texas franchises has been relatively dormant. During the 2022-23 season, both teams finished tied for last in the Western Conference with 22-60 records.

But with the Spurs landing Wembanyama in the 2023 draft and Houston boasting a young core comprised of Smith, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore, the hope is that the rivalry could be revived in the near future.

Here’s our look at broadcast details and potential lineups for Monday’s exhibition matchup in San Antonio.

Podcast: Reaction to Houston’s hot start in 2023-24 preseason

Can Cam Whitmore force his way into Ime Udoka’s rotation? Today’s @TheLagerLine explores that and other key takeaways from Houston’s 2-0 start to the preseason.

Our latest “The Lager Line” podcast reacts to Houston’s 2-0 start to the 2023-24 preseason, in which the Rockets have compiled top-five metrics in overall net rating, offensive rating and defensive rating.

Led by hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, topics include the team’s improved defensive principles under Ime Udoka; why Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are among the early standouts; and whether Cam Whitmore can force his way into the regular-season rotation.

The show also explores two upcoming exhibition games in San Antonio, which should feature a star-studded matchup between Smith and Victor Wembanyama, 2023’s No. 1 draft pick. Wembanyama, a rookie, is off to a strong preseason start with the Spurs.

Today’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below in its entirety. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

[lawrence-related id=117055,117077]

Takeaways: Rockets blast Pelicans as Jabari Smith Jr. leads preseason rout

#Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. was dominant with 22 points and 9 rebounds on elite efficiency as Houston routed the Pelicans in Thursday’s exhibition.

Led by 22 points on strong efficiency from Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets continued their 2023-24 NBA preseason in Birmingham, Alabama, with Thursday’s 120-87 blowout (box score) of the New Orleans Pelicans. Houston is 2-0 in exhibition play.

It was a strong defensive effort by Ime Udoka’s new-look Rockets versus a New Orleans team (0-2) featuring marquee starters Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum.

In 24 minutes, Smith finished with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting (69.2%), including 4-of-5 on 3-pointers (80.0%). Smith also grabbed 9 rebounds and dished 2 assists.

Other Houston players to score in double-figures included:

  • Amen Thompson: 12 points, 4 assists in 21 minutes; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%), 3-of-4 on free throws (75%)
  • Jalen Green: 12 points, 2 assists in 25 minutes; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 0-of-2 on 3-pointers, 4-of-4 on free throws
  • Alperen Sengun: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals in 22 minutes; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 0-of-4 on 3-pointers, 2-of-2 on free throws

McCollum led the Pelicans with 17 points in 23 minutes, making 6-of-13 shots (46.2%) and 4-of-8 on 3-pointers (50.0%).

Here are highlights and interviews from Thursday, along with reaction by media members and fans. Houston will continue its exhibition slate Monday in San Antonio with the first of two straight games versus top rookie Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.

Ime Udoka pleased by Rockets’ effort early in 2023-24 preseason

“The effort is something I talked about the first day, and they never lacked as far as that goes,” Ime Udoka says of Houston’s early preseason performance. #Rockets

When the Houston Rockets faced the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night in Birmingham, Alabama, first-year head coach Ime Udoka hoped to see the same amount of hustle and competitiveness his young core displayed in Tuesday’s preseason opener versus Indiana.

“In training camp, they played hard,” Udoka said after Houston’s 122-103 victory over the Pacers. “We had to pull them back at times because they are so competitive and going at each other. It was good to see them go against somebody else, but the effort is something I talked about the first day, and they never lacked as far as that goes.”

Even though they were missing defensive ace Dillon Brooks for most of the game due to his early ejection for hitting Indiana’s Daniel Theis below the felt, the Rockets held Indiana to 23.8% from 3-point range. They also outscored them 58-40 in the paint.

‘We just wanted to be aggressive and attack, especially early in offensive transition,” Udoka told reporters during his postgame press conference. “We have multiple ball handlers who can get the ball and push it, and I think you saw that a little bit.”

As Houston heads into the matchup with the Pelicans, the goal is for the Rockets to tighten on defense and communicate more when switching to different offensive opponents. Indiana exploited Houston’s weakness to defend and was allowed to take a lot of open shots due to the lack of communication among the players on the floor.

Second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. knows New Orleans will watch the film from the previous game and try to take advantage of a team still getting used to being on the floor together.

“I feel that every team is a good test,” Smith said following Wednesday’s practice from Toyota Center. “Every team plays different and has its strength in different areas, so every night is a different test, and you have to focus on different things.”

[lawrence-related id=117073,117010]

Report: Rockets to pick up contract options on Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason

The #Rockets will pick up the 2024-25 contract options on Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun, the Houston Chronicle reports.

As expected, the Rockets will pick up the third- and fourth-year contract options on Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. Contracts for first-round NBA draft picks are only guaranteed for the first two seasons, with the third and fourth seasons are at the team’s discretion.

Smith and Eason were drafted in the 2022 first round. Green and Sengun were first-round selections in the 2021 draft class.

Since all four are productive players for the Rockets, the decision to pick up those contract options for the 2024-25 season was largely a formality. However, it is a procedural step Rockets general manager Rafael Stone is required to do by Oct. 31 to keep them on their current deals.

Green and Sengun will earn $12.5 and $5.4 million in 2024-25, respectively, while Smith and Eason will make $9.8 and $3.7 million. The higher figures for Green and Smith are because their draft slots (No. 2 and No. 3 in 2021 and 2022) correspond with higher figures.

Green and Sengun will be eligible for contract extensions next offseason, once the 2023-24 league year concludes.

[lawrence-related id=117045,117022]

NBA executives poll: Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. poised for breakout seasons in 2023-24

In a poll of NBA executives, #Rockets prospects Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. are among the leading candidates to have a breakout season in 2023-24.

As the 2023-24 NBA season begins, which players are poised to make the biggest individuals across the league?

With that in mind, HoopsHype polled 25 NBA executives to determine who will be the top breakout candidates this season. Each was asked to list his top three players to have a breakout year.

Some executives voted for a younger player who could thrive with an increased role. Others voted for players on the cusp of becoming potential All-Stars for the first time.

Recent poll winners included Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey last season and Cleveland’s Darius Garland the year before, at which point he went on to become an All-Star for the first time.

After receiving feedback from the executives, voting results were tabulated. The top player received five points, the second received three points, and the third received one point for each ballot.

The complete list can be viewed here. As for players on the Rockets, we’ve got their placement and analysis below.

Takeaways: Cam Whitmore dazzles off bench as Rockets win preseason opener

Cam Whitmore followed up his dynamic summer-league run with 15 points (60.0% FG, 75.0% on 3-pointers) in Houston’s preseason opener, leading the #Rockets to a win over Indiana.

Led by a balanced effort with six players scoring in double figures, the Rockets opened their 2023-24 NBA preseason at Toyota Center with Tuesday’s 122-103 home win (box score) over the Indiana Pacers. Houston is now 1-0 in exhibition play.

Rookie forward Cam Whitmore followed up his summer-league MVP performance with more dynamic play off Houston’s bench, scoring 15 points in 17 minutes on 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%) and 3-of-4 on 3-pointers (75.0%). Houston went +21 as a team in that time, and that plus/minus clip was the best of any player for either team.

For head coach Ime Udoka, Whitmore’s strong showing offers even more to consider as he evaluates his rotation options.

Other players who scored in double-figures included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks in 24 minutes; 4-of-8 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers, 6-of-10 on free throws (60.0%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1 block in 23 minutes; 4-of-8 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers, 5-of-5 on free throws
  • Jalen Green: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists in 24 minutes; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 0-of-4 on 3-pointers, 1-of-5 on free throws (20.0%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 10 points, 4 assists in 25 minutes; 3-of-11 shoting (27.3%), 2-of-6 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Tari Eason: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals in 21 minutes; 5-of-6 shooting (83.3%)

Eason played additional minutes with the starters after an early ejection by Dillon Brooks, who was given a flagrant-two foul less than five minutes into the game for an altercation with Daniel Theis.

The Pacers (0-2) were led by reserve forward Aaron Nesmith, who had 18 points in 20 minutes on 7-of-9 shooting (77.8%).

Here’s a look at key highlights from Tuesday’s game, along with how media members and fans reacted in real-time. As for the Rockets, they will continue exhibition play on Thursday night in Birmingham, Alabama, with a matchup versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jabari Smith Jr. impressed by competitive teammates as Rockets open training camp

“We were competing from the jump,” Jabari Smith Jr. says of the start to #Rockets training camp. “It was just good to see everybody competing and in shape, going at each other.”

LAKE CHARLES, La. — If Day 1 of the Houston Rockets training camp is any indication of what type of season second-year forward Jabari Smith Jr. will have, some fans may want to start considering buying Toyota Center ticket plans with playoff options.

That may be a stretch, but all the hard work in the offseason has paid off for the No. 3 selection in the 2022 NBA draft.

“I just want to build,” Smith said when asked about goals for his sophomore season. “I want to show what I have added to my game and what I have learned. Just be more confident and more consistent and be like a whole different player. Confidence-wise, swagger-wise, just a whole different player.”

On Tuesday, inside the Legacy Center at McNeese State University, Smith may have channeled the spirit of one of his offseason workout partners, Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant. He received the ball at the top of the key from new teammate Fred VanVleet and proceeded to drive left toward the basket past his defender and was airborne before Tari Eason could rotate over to help. Smith finished the dunk and got a foul called.

“We were competing from the jump,” Smith said of the competitiveness at training camp. “Everybody came into training camp in shape, so it was good that we could get off to that good start. It was just good to see everybody competing and in shape going at each other. That is a good start to get off to.”

The former Auburn standout put the NBA world on notice this offseason when he participated in summer league at Las Vegas. He averaged a league-high 35.5 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in two games before being shut down for the remaining games.

Smith finished last season averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, earning NBA All-Rookie second-team honors. This season, his goal is to take the next step in becoming a leader, both on the court and in the locker room. Even though the Rockets have added veteran leadership this offseason, Smith wants to be a player his teammates can look up to and help continue the rebuild.

“I just want to make it easier on the guys (rookies) coming in, because this is a hard league,” Smith said. “It is not easy, so just helping those guys as much as possible.”

[lawrence-related id=116898,116814]

Day 1 Rockets practice footage: Training camp opens in Louisiana

As #Rockets training camp opens in Lake Charles, Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green each had standout moments in Tuesday’s scrimmage (with Green finishing an alley-oop from Fred VanVleet).

As expected, 2023-24 training camp for the Rockets opened Tuesday at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was Houston’s first official practice with new head coach Ime Udoka and featured newly signed veterans such as Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, along with rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.

Reporters in attendance were able to view approximately 10 minutes of scrimmage activity at the end of practice. Big men Jock Landale (sprained ankle rehab) and Alperen Sengun (individual training) did not fully participate, but nearly all other regulars played.

Following the scrimmage, Udoka, Jabari Smith Jr., and Aaron Holiday each took a handful of interview questions from reporters.

Here’s a compilation of video highlights and interview quotes from Tuesday’s training camp activity at McNeese State. Our Brian Barefield is on the scene in Lake Charles and will have additional news coverage for Rockets Wire in the hours and days ahead.

Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason ready for sophomore leaps with Rockets

#Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. on his goals as an NBA sophomore: “Show what I’ve added to my game, show what I’ve learned. Be more confident and consistent.”

At Monday’s media day to kick off 2023-24 Houston Rockets training camp, forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason began what each hopes is a breakthrough second season as a professional.

Both Smith and Eason earned All-Rookie second-team honors last season, but they’re hopeful of brighter days ahead — especially after a brilliant run at the NBA’s 2023 summer league.

“Show what I’ve added to my game, show what I’ve learned,” Smith said of his goals for the season. “Be more confident and consistent. Confidence wise, swagger wise. Just a whole different player.”

Here’s a roundup of what we heard Houston’s talented sophomores at Monday’s media day from Toyota Center. Training camp begins Tuesday at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

“It’s important to try to make the city of Houston proud, get this city some wins, and get this fan base rocking again,” Eason said after a 2022-23 rookie season in which Houston finished at 22-60, tied for the worst record in the Western Conference.