Difficult beginnings for Jabari Smith Jr. in the deep end

Stephen Silas could well say that Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. were going “to face each other for a long time” and that would be “pleasant to watch”the first duel between the two rookies was cut short.

Admittedly, the Rockets won, but on the one hand, the first draft pick scored 30 points while the third pick only scored 3 points. It would obviously be unfair to draw conclusions from this single match, however, it has illustrated the trajectories of the two players for a month.

That of Orlando is already very high, while that of Houston is struggling, being for the moment one of the most disappointing rookies of his promotion. Especially since for his duel with Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr. had not participated in the shootaround the morning of the meeting.

“It lacked rhythm in my opinion”confesses his coach for the Houston Chronicle. “He was away from the courts for almost a week, was sick and stuck in bed, unable to train. He missed open shots, was weighed down by fouls and made unusual errors. »

After an average start to the season, especially with a good game against Utah (21 points) to report, the former Auburn fell ill during a second game in a row against the Clippers.

“That night, I had chills,” he says. “I didn’t know I had the flu. After the game, I felt sick. The next morning I was dead. I had chills, sweats, aches, cramps. »

“I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself or compare myself to other players”

With 15 points and 10 rebounds against Toronto, the game after Orlando, the interior of the Rockets showed another face, but its performances remain quite meager for a third Draft choice. It only displays an average of 10.5 points at 30% shooting success.

“He just needs to feel more comfortable on the pitch,” comments Stephen Silas. “Having him at the head of the racquet, not only to score but also to pass, is an avenue that we will explore. He showed good things in transitions. His award-winning shot is an asset to his game as defenders stick him. So he can penetrate. »

The player’s confidence is not undermined by this unsatisfactory start, but he concedes that the transition from the NCAA to the NBA was more complicated than expected.

“I only played eleven matches but I see the difference with the university. The transition is difficult. I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself or compare myself to other players. I’m going to work. It’s just a question of confidence in my opinion, of believing in your work, of being aggressive, of not hesitating, of playing my game. It will come, I’m not worried. »