Finally the beginning of a click for Jabari Smith Jr.

Until the last minute, we thought that Jabari Smith Jr. would be the 1st choice of the 2022 Draft. But the Magic preferred to select Paolo Banchero, and the leaders should not regret it… Conversely, in Houston, Smith Jr. was disappointed. We expected a great defender, and he is struggling to weigh on this side of the field. We talked about him as a specialist in outside shooting, and the strong winger has been going through a nightmare since his debut.

In October ? 32.6% on shots including 33.3% at 3-pointers. In November ? 37.4% and 35.1%… And that’s how it was until the All-Star Break that he will reach with 38.9% on shots and 30.3% at 3-pointers. But in Houston, we signed him for his shooting skills, and his coach encourages him to shoot. Even from a distance since one out of two shots is taken at 3-point.

“He has to keep confidence in his shot. I want him to shoot when he is unmarked” explains the Houston coach. ” It’s difficult. It’s like a batter in baseball who’s at the bottom of the hole… It’s one of those things, and he needs to see the ball go in a few times. Whether it’s a lay-up or a throw, or getting those 3-pointers in practice. I hope it will help him for the future. »

Fewer shots, more skill

In fact, the All-Star Game cut felt good. At the very least, there is better in March with 50% on shots and 42% at 3-pointers. These are good numbers, and we note that Jabari Smith Jr. shoots less at 3-pointers: less than 4 shots per game in March, against more than 6 in October and November.

This week, he just signed a 3 of 7 from 3-pointers against the Nets, then a 3 of 5 tonight against the Pacers. Of course, we will remember this award-winning shot that sends the Rockets and Pacers into overtime. A difficult shoot where his touch made the difference. Proof that there is better.

“Oh yes, it feels good, clearly” he confirms about his current success. “You know, I just have confidence in my work, I correct what I see, and I stay confident. »

Before planting 30 points against Indiana, he had only crossed the 20-point mark twice in 2023: once in January, once in February. In the staff of the Rockets, an assistant takes special care of him, and more particularly of his balance on the shots. “Going from macro to micro definitely helps solve a problem” justifies Stephen Silas about this specific work.

Don’t think too much

On the other side of the field, Jabari Smith Jr. also seems to be progressing, and his versatility, praised at the time of the Draft, is finally noticeable. “I feel like I’m more physical. I feel like I can defend on bigger players, but also contain the dribble of some of the better point guards. For example, I had some complicated moments on Dinwiddie and other complicated point guards. So I see myself being able to put more pressure on the ball and to be able to switch on these leading players, these outsiders. You just need to know the technique. I just get to know the players, to know what they want to do. By dint of facing the same players, we end up knowing their tendencies. I have to strengthen myself physically. My presses will become faster. I can only get better”.

Even if he disappointed, Jabri Smith Jr. is only 19 years old, and he is in a Team Ignite-like formation without a core of veterans to supervise him. Clearly, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun and company are almost on their own. The most important thing is to believe in the future, and not to worry too much.

“I feel like when things don’t go our way, we start overthinking, and that can affect you” he concludes. “It wasn’t necessarily a question of trust, but rather a question of reflection. John Lucas (assistant) tells me that sometimes I try to be perfect. I just try not to be too hard on myself and to continue to be confident. It happens. Just keep playing, don’t get discouraged, and while you’re playing focus on other things so you don’t have to think about it. Ultimately, I’ve been a shooter all my life. I’ve played basketball all my life.”