3 reasons to be excited about the Houston Rockets for 2022-23 Season

3 reasons to be excited about the Houston Rockets for 2022-23 season

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 07: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Toyota Center on October 07, 2022 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 02: Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets, reacts after a play during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on October 02, 2022, in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) /

2. Jabari Smith comes in motivated from draft day snub

By watching draft night, you can tell that Jabari Smith was not happy about being picked third overall by Houston. He was expected to go number one to Orlando, and instead, the Magic took Paolo Banchero.

Yes, Banchero looked sharp against the Pistons, but that’s the expectation that comes with being the top overall pick. Jabari Smith doesn’t have that. Instead, he has the motivation, fuel, and desire to show why he should have been the top pick instead.

Against Atlanta, Smith had 17 points on 6-of-17 shooting, including 3-of-11 beyond the arc. That’s not terrible for a debut, but the expectation is that he will play better in his career. Still, he’s a rookie, and his presence alone should be enough reason to be optimistic as a Rockets fan.

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