HOUSTON — Less than two weeks ago, Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr., LSU forward Tari Eason, and Kentucky guard TyTy Washington didn’t know where their professional home would be. Now, after all were selected in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft, they’re headed to Las Vegas to headline the 2022 summer league squad for the Rockets.
The newly drafted rookies are the obvious headliners, as evidenced by their ceremonial activity later that same day of throwing out the first pitch at Tuesday night’s Astros game. But there are accomplished second-year players on the roster, as well, in guard Josh Christopher and forward Usman Garuba. The summer Rockets will also feature third-year forward Anthony Lamb and a handful of undrafted rookies hoping to earn training camp invites from Houston or any other NBA team.
It all starts Thursday night in Las Vegas (schedule), when Smith leads the summer Rockets versus No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero and the summer Magic. Until then, here’s what the players had to say Tuesday at the Toyota Center practice court in Houston, along with insights from Stephen Silas and summer league head coach Rick Higgins.
Scroll on for highlights of Tuesday’s practice, as well.
