Jabari Smith Jr. is quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned within the NBA’s Western Conference. He’s hoping to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with the Houston Rockets. In line with the significance of the deal, the terms are 100 percent guaranteed through the 2030-31 season. That speaks to the franchise’s deep commitment to Smith as an important piece of their developing core. This extension negotiation included considerable back-and-forth among Rockets leadership and Smith’s agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management.
Despite being only 22 years old, Smith immediately proved to be a huge addition to the Rockets. He was a key figure to their clinching the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. This achievement marked Houston’s first postseason appearance in five years, highlighting the team’s resurgence under the guidance of their young roster. Smith’s impact before the playoffs was felt, as he provided 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during the regular season.
Smith has been challenged all season with a broken left hand in January, derailing his rhythm. Still, he has dazzled plenty in flashes. He’s dazzled throughout the postseason, where he nailed a whopping 45.5% of his 3-point attempts. His strong performance has held off any doubts about his play and further cemented his value to the team.
Smith selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He’s been an integral part of the Rockets’ rebuild-by-design plan. His work ethic and potential have led the franchise to invest in his future, believing he can be a cornerstone for years to come.
Smith’s greatest flaw was a lack of consistency in his three-point shooting through the regular season. If his recent playoff performance is any indication, he’s on the cusp of a major stepping stone. For what it’s worth, the Rockets are betting heavily on Smith’s upside. Beyond just the immediate future, this confidence shows their long-term vision to build a competitive team around their young talents.
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