At Monday’s media day to kick off 2023-24 Houston Rockets training camp, forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason began what they each hope is a breakthrough second season as a professional.
Both Smith and Eason earned All-Rookie Second Team honors last season, but they’re each hopeful of brighter days ahead — and especially after a brilliant run at the NBA’s 2023 summer league.
Buy Rockets Tickets“Show what I’ve added to my game, show what I’ve learned,” Smith said of his goals for the season. “Be more confident and consistent. Confidence wise, swagger wise. Just a whole different player.”
Here’s a roundup of what we heard Houston’s talented sophomores at Monday’s media day from Toyota Center. Training camp begins Tuesday at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
“It’s important to try to make the city of Houston proud, get this city some wins, and get this fanbase rocking again,” Eason said after a 2022-23 rookie season in which Houston finished at 22-60, tied for the worst record in the Western Conference.
Jabari Smith Jr. at 2023 Rockets Media Day
Man, Jabari Smith looks notably broader and more muscular…
Real possibility of huge growth as a defensive ace and jumbo shooter in his age 20 season pic.twitter.com/i6ZCietqTG
— NBA University (@NBA_University) October 3, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. on what he envisions for himself in year two:
"Show what I've added to my game, show what I've learned. Be more confident and consistent. Confidence wise, swagger wise. Just a whole different player." pic.twitter.com/3NBKn9aMd2
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
Jabari Smith on Ime Udoka:
“He’s definitely stern and strict and definitely what we need”
Quite the contrast from Stephen Silas.
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) October 2, 2023
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. says he is ready to take on the leadership role and help the team win… “Just a team hungry to change the culture.” #Rockets #Sarge @TheRocketsWire pic.twitter.com/tJAH384aoa
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) October 2, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. says he's not sure if he's grown. "I didn't get shorter though."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Brooks on Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr.: "Tari and Jabari has a lot of potential. It's the effort they need to put in. the effort is there. they have the tangibles, the wingspan, all they have to do is have the effort."@HoustonRockets @BackSportsPage
— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 2, 2023
Tari Eason at 2023 Rockets Media Day
Tari Eason says the #Rockets will have a "different level of focus" this season
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 2, 2023
Tari Eason on year 2: "I have a year under my belt. I'm not a rookie anymore. Gotta be held accountable more. Just a bigger level of understanding."
— Jeremy Gretzer (@jr_gretzer) October 2, 2023
Asked Tari Eason what will surprise people about his game this season:
"My understanding of the game. Knowing my spots. Taking on more of a leadership role on the defensive side. Being more vocal and impactful on that end."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) October 2, 2023
Tari Eason says he focused on ball handling and on catch and shooting
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) October 2, 2023
Tari Eason says he and Jabari Smith Jr are close friends and they both talk about the opportunity they have and "how important it is to try to make the city of Houston proud, get this city some wins and get this fanbase rocking again."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) October 2, 2023
Tari Eason on Dillon Brooks:
He sees himself as the best defender in the league and I love that mentality because I have the same sort of mentality, I’m just excited to work with him” 💯 pic.twitter.com/i4JP687Zta
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) October 2, 2023
year ✌️@jabarismithjr x @TAR13ASON pic.twitter.com/383nPl75cb
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 2, 2023
