In a new interview with FanDuel’s “Run It Back” show, Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. spoke with league insider Shams Charania about a wide range of changes in his second NBA season.
After finishing tied for the Western Conference’s worst record in his rookie 2021-22 season, Smith’s improving Rockets (6-3) are the talk of the league after winning six consecutive games.
One reason for that growth, according to Smith, is new head coach Ime Udoka and his emphasis on structure and accountability.
“It’s not as much looseness,” said Smith, who is averaging 12.3 points (48.4% FG, 36.4% on 3-pointers) and 7.0 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per game this season. “I would say it’s a lot more strict. It’s a lot more structured. Accountability, a lot more of that.”
As for his personal game, Smith cited ball-handling and taking bumps when driving to the rim as offseason points of emphasis, noting his confidence is much improved from his rookie season.
Scroll on for a roundup of Smith’s most noteworthy tidbits and quotes from his exclusive interview with Charania.
Jabari Smith Jr. on Rockets’ culture
Jabari Smith says Ime Udoka has made the Rockets culture a lot more competitive than it was last year under Stephen Silas (via @RunItBackFDTV).
“It’s not as much looseness. I would say it’s a lot more strict. It’s a lot more structured. Accountability – a lot more of that.” pic.twitter.com/39ku8mYC5R
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) November 14, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. on Ime Udoka
Jabari Smith points to Ime Udoka as one of the keys to the hot Rockets start (via @RunItBackFDTV):
“He just don’t like to lose. That was his biggest thing. Play to win. Play for each other.” pic.twitter.com/IHW6EPnawf
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) November 14, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. on personal growth
Jabari Smith says the two biggest things he worked on this summer were:
-Ball handling
-Ability to take bumps going to the rimSays ultimately the biggest difference from last year is his confidence as a player.
(via @RunItBackFDTV) pic.twitter.com/PfRuYZQ8Gp
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) November 14, 2023
