The Houston Rockets were in a win-win situation, waiting to select their pick in the 2022 NBA draft. After Duke forward Paolo Banchero was shockingly chosen with the No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic, the Oklahoma City Thunder took Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren at No. 2 in the first round, putting the Rockets on the clock.
From there, Houston selected forward Jabari Smith from Auburn University with the third pick. Most mock drafts had Smith going number one overall to the Magic, but when he didn’t hear his name called, it added more fuel to the fire that burns inside of the 19-year-old.
“Definitely added a chip, but God makes no mistakes, so I’m happy to be here,” Smith told reporters on Thursday night. “I’m happy to be where I’m wanted. I’m happy to get to Houston and just show them… give them what they picked. Just happy to be here.”
