HOUSTON — Rockets draftees Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and TyTy Washington each traveled to their new NBA home Friday and shared their initial impressions upon visiting Toyota Center for the first time.
The former Auburn forward, LSU forward, and Kentucky guard all made their way from Barclays Center in Brooklyn — where the 2022 NBA draft took place Thursday — to Houston less than 24 hours later.
It was a whirlwind day, but each of Houston’s prized rookie prospects was clearly thrilled by the experience.
“It made me happy,” Smith said of the support shown by the Rockets and their fans after his selection. “It puts a smile on my face.”
The focus will turn to the basketball court imminently, since the Rockets are gearing up for the start of 2022 NBA summer league play on July 7. Going into that process, here’s what each of the new prospects — along with general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas — had to say at the starting point of their NBA journeys.
the guys are here.
THE GUYS ARE HERE. pic.twitter.com/hhiUkSysWe
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 24, 2022
