Entering the NBA can be an overwhelming experience. The pressure of the expectations can get very difficult to handle. Jabari Smith Jr. however, seems to be shaking it all off in his second year.

Jabari Smith Jr. was the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He came into the draft being predicted by several mocks as the No.1 pick. However, the rookie watched himself slip two spots to land in Houston as the No.3 overall pick. Then came an underwhelming season where he could not crack the All Rookie First Team, with players that were drafted much below him taking his spot. However, the 20-year-old seemed to have it all coming back to him now. Embarrassing Stephen Curry‘s ex teammate James Wiseman, Smith Jr.’s spectacular display at the 2023 Summer League has caught the NBA world’s attention.

Jabari Smith Jr. is raising eyebrows

Smith Jr. has had a phenomenal run in the 2023 Summer League so far. In the two games that the Houston Rockets have played, Smith Jr. has put up insane numbers, shocking the NBA world. After dropping 33 points and a game winner on the Portland Trail Blazers, he followed it up with an incredible 38 point performance against the Detroit Pistons.

4 Years After Giving Russell Westbrook and Paul George Trauma, Karma Bites Back at Damian Lillard as Heartbreaker at the Buzzer Stuns Blazers

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Bronny’s Suffering Doesn’t Affect Brother Bryce as LeBron James’ Younger Son Sees Stability Financially

April 28, 2024 02:24 PM EDT

LeBron James Raids Wife Savannah’s Wardrobe For Game 4 Win, Leaving 35YO Stylist “Weak”

April 28, 2024 07:16 PM EDT

Nike EYBL: Emotional Kiyan Anthony Talks About Father Carmelo While Bryce James Hails 17YO Brodie

April 28, 2024 04:08 PM EDT

“That Was Too Much”: LeBron Gave Bryce James a Tough Pill to Swallow 1 Week Before His Nike EYBL Game

April 29, 2024 02:32 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

In the game against the Detroit Pistons, Smith Jr. had a play where he shot an impressive step back and followed it up with some words for his defender, James Wiseman. In a clip that has now got the NBA world awestruck, Smith Jr. is seen suggesting that James Wiseman cannot guard him at all.

Fans took to Twitter to have their say about this exchange. They expressed their opinion on Smith Jr. regaining his confidence from college.

Fans also hailed the Auburn Tigers alum as a dark horse for an All Star selection.

Some fans also had some love for the Rockets center Alperen Sengun.

However, some fans urged the former No.3 pick to keep working and look to get the Rockets into the playoffs.

After being traded away by the Golden State Warriors, James Wiseman ended up with the Detroit Pistons. However, this exchange with Smith Jr., the former teammate of the 9 Time All Star Stephen Curry caught some strays from fans too.

Fans expressed their disappointment in Wiseman, who was the No.2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Jabari Smith Jr. has had a terrific run at the Summer League but can he sustain this when the NBA season begins?

Smith Jr. is key in Rockets rebuild

The Houston Rockets traded away most of their veteran players in the past few years. The team completely shifted its focus on a rebuild. After being draft lottery bound for the past 3 years, the Rockets finally made some significant off season moves to get themselves back into playoff contention. However, Jabari Smith Jr. will have a huge role to play in this.

Watch This Story: Years After Exhausting Experience in China, Former NBA Vet Still Left in Anguish Over Stephen Curry Trauma: “He Hit Every Shot”

As one of the Rockets’ top draft picks, Smith Jr. will play a key role in their roster. The Rockets would have some high expectations riding on their young core. Smith Jr. will have a tough task of resurrecting the Rockets franchise and bringing them back into playoff contention.