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5 second-year NBA players ready to take the leap this season

By Jakob Ashlin

Oct 28, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jabari Smith Jr.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. reacts after scoring a basket during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 2. Jabari Smith Jr.

After March 4, Smith averaged 15.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks on a 47.2/36.5/78.3 shooting splits.

The Auburn alum turned heads at the NBA Summer League. In his first game, he poured in 33 points in a victory over Scott Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and the Portland Trail Blazers. With 0.6 seconds to play, he hit a game-winning 3-pointer at the top of the key.

In his second game, Smith topped himself, posting 38 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a win over the Detroit Pistons.

It was a small sample size, but his 35.5 points per game average led the entire summer league. In fact, it was 9.7 points per game higher than the next player (Orlando Robinson).

Smith should continue to build on that momentum this season. The Houston Rockets made a variety of moves this offseason, but Smith remains their best offensive forward. Free agent acquisition Dillon Brooks and first-round pick Cam Whitmore should not alter his role in 2023-24.

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