HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 23: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets and Kris Dunn #11 of the Utah … [+]
Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. is undoubtedly one of the team’s most important pieces. Drafted third overall back in 2022, the 6’11 forward has been an integral component of one of the league’s best defenses for the last two years. But Smith has been sidelined since January 3 with a broken bone in his hand, missing 13 games during that time frame. With second year forward Amen Thompson starting, and flourishing, in Smith’s place, the Rockets haven’t skipped a beat, losing only three games in that span, most recently slaying giants such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. It would seem highly unlikely that Thompson would be removed from the starting lineup.
The other starter on the frontline, next to center Alperen Sengun, is 29 year old veteran Dillon Brooks. Brooks was one of Houston’s marquee signings last summer, inking a four-year commitment with the Rockets for $86 million. Brooks has been up and down offensively, most recently hitting ten threes in a win at Boston. But he’s been one of the prime catalysts for Houston’s defensive turnaround and culture change, setting the tone for his young teammates with his toughness and gritty style of play. It would appear unlikely that Udoka would demote such a respected veteran when his team is soaring at its current heights. At the time of writing, the Rockets are 30-14, and second in the Western Conference.
Thus, the safe money would appear to be for Smith to come off the bench upon his return. Minutes could be hard to come by with super-sub Tari Eason back and thriving, backup center Steven Adams fully healthy and thriving, and second year forward Cam Whitmore playing well in his new role after his return from a G League stint. However, Smith would do well in place of Adams as the backup center against smaller and quicker teams. His absence was felt against Boston with Adams struggling against Boston’s second unit.
If he continues developing, one can envision Smith thriving next to Thompson and Sengun on the frontline in future years. A 36% long distance shooter, he can spread the floor to punish opponents packing the paint against Sengun and shooting guard Jalen Green. With his 6’11 frame, he can help on the glass (Houston’s rebounding has suffered with Smith’s absence) and he can cover quicker rim running centers to aid Sengun. He could also see a bulk of his minutes as a backup to Sengun.
Along with Eason, Houston has the ability to extend Smith long term as soon as this summer. Given his contributions, Rockets management will surely be interested in negotiating a deal. Brooks is owed $21.124 million next year, in 2025-2026, and $19.992 million in 2026-2027, very reasonable figures for a player with his impact. Perhaps Rockets general manager Rafael Stone seeks to deal Brooks to free up playing time and resources for Smith? Or perhaps a demotion to the bench at the start of a fresh season would be more palatable.
In any event, it looks unlikely that Smith will reclaim his starting spot this season upon his return. That doesn’t mean he won’t be an important part of the Rockets’ future plans. Even with Thompson’s emergence, Smith is too versatile to be an afterthought.
