With Alperen Sengun briefly sidelined by injury, rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. has spent time playing as an agile center for the Houston Rockets. As his body develops and confidence rises, it’s a skill set the 19-year-old believes could serve him well in future years.
“As I get stronger, I feel like that’s where my advantage will be,” said Smith, the No. 3 overall draft pick from the 2022 first round. “That’s where I’ll be the biggest mismatch for other fives in the league. As I keep learning that position, I feel I can play that.”
