While Paolo Banchero has just equaled the immense Grant Hill with four games in a row at 20 points and more to start his career, Jabari Smith Jr. moves in the shadows. The 3rd choice of the Draft is much less publicized, both because he is surrounded by two “crunchers” (Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr), but also because he is expected in the protection of the circle, and generally in defence.
But the interested party considers himself the best player in this Draft. He saw himself in Orlando, moreover, and he understood that he would have to impose himself and impose himself. Like that night, against the Jazz, where he went to validate Houston’s victory when the last system was for Jalen Green, with whom he had just gotten confused on the bench!
“Ihe has one of the best shots on the team, including free throws » says Porter Jr. “We place all our trust in Jabari to put them on”.
At 25 seconds from the end, his arm will not shake and he will put his last four throws. “The coach trusted me to get the ball and put in my shots. I had to have confidence in myself to put them on” says the former Auburn insider, who still hasn’t missed any shots this season.
Upon arrival, Houston is the first team to bring down the Jazz, and Smith signs his first big performance with 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists. All with a 3 of 5 from 3-pointers.
More effective as a pivot
Shifted to the post of pivot in the absence of Bruno Fernando and Alperen Sengun, Smith showed that the defense was more alert with him under the panels, but also that the attack was more varied. “His shot selection was really good” emphasizes Stephen Silas. “I thought he did a good job in defense on the 5 position, and in directing our defense. »
For Smith, it’s easier to weigh on the defense by playing at position 5, in a role of “libero”. “There is clearly more communication because I feel like I see everything from position 5. I feel like protecting the circle relies a lot more on me when Bruno, Boban or Alperen are not there. I feel like it’s my responsibility. It’s just different because it’s about knowing the systems in different positions. But my teammates work with me. The coach too, and it was a smooth transition. »
Asked about his falling out with Smith (see below), Green assures us that it’s already forgotten and that it was just in the heat of the moment. He prefers to praise the merits of his teammate.
“He is very talented. He has the qualities to be a “two-way player”. He has so much scope. He can defend in any position. And at the same time, he knows how to shoot. He should be confident. »
