Jabari Smith Jr., born on May 13, 2003, in Fayetteville, Georgia, is making waves in the professional basketball scene as a power forward for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) and weighing 220 pounds (100 kilograms), Smith’s dynamic playstyle and versatility on both ends of the court have garnered attention and accolades.

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Quick Facts

Full Name	Jabari Montsho Smith Jr.
Known As	Jabari Smith Jr.
Birth Date	May 13, 2003
Birth Place	Fayetteville, Georgia, U.S.
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Black
Education	Sandy Creek High School
Father’s Name	Jabari Montsho Smith Sr.
Mother’s Name	Taneskia Purnell
Siblings	NA
Age	20
Height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Weight	220 lb (100 kg)
Eye Color	Brown
Hair Color	Black
Body Type	NA
Profession	Professional Basketball Player
Marital Status	Single
Wife	None
Children	None
Active since	2022
Teams	Houston Rockets
Achievements	NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2023) Consensus second-team All-American (2022)
Endorsements	NA
Net Worth	$1.5 million
NBA Draft Pick	2022: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
Position	Power forward
League	NBA
Merch	NA
Social Media	Instagram Twitter

Jabari Smith Jr  Early Life and High School Career

Hailing from a basketball-centric family, with his father, Jabari Smith Sr., being a former professional player in the NBA, young Smith started honing his skills under his father’s mentorship at the age of five. His father, recognizing the evolving landscape of basketball with the rise of tall players with strong shooting abilities, guided Smith to develop a game focused on skill rather than just size.

Smith’s high school journey occurred at Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, where he quickly rose to prominence. In his senior year, he led his team to a state championship appearance, showcasing his prowess with averages of 24 points, ten rebounds, three steals, and three blocks per game. His standout performances earned him accolades, such as McDonald’s All-American, Mr. Georgia Basketball, and a spot in prestigious events like the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit.

Recruiting

As a highly sought-after prospect, Smith, a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2021 class, committed to playing college basketball for Auburn University. His decision to choose Auburn over other prominent programs was influenced by the team’s play style under coach Bruce Pearl, the proximity to his hometown, and the promise of a traditional college experience.

College Career

Entering Auburn with high expectations, Smith lived up to the hype in his freshman season. A key contributor to Auburn’s success, he helped the team secure an SEC regular-season championship and achieve a historic number-one ranking in the AP poll. Smith’s impressive stat line included an average of 16.9 pts, 7.4 rebs, and two assists per game. His standout performances earned him multiple honors, including USBWA Freshman of the Year and a place on the All-SEC first team.

Despite a disappointing early exit in the NCAA Tournament, Smith declared for the 2022 NBA draft, where he was projected as a top-three selection and was ultimately chosen by the Houston Rockets as the third overall pick.

Professional Career with the Houston Rockets

In his debut NBA season, Smith exceeded expectations, showcasing his skills in both the summer league and preseason games. His regular-season debut with the Rockets featured a stellar performance, scoring 17 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and providing an assist. As the season progressed, Smith consistently displayed his scoring ability, recording several 20+ point games and securing double-doubles.

Notable moments include a game-winning three-pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans and being the first Rockets player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1985 to average 20-plus points and 10-plus rebounds in three straight games. These achievements culminated in Smith being voted to the All-Rookie second team at the end of his rookie season.

Player Profile

His length and versatility characterize Smith’s playing style. With a 7-1-foot wingspan, he dominates on both offense and defense. His offensive skills include a reliable jump shot with a 42% three-point shooting accuracy. Defensively, he showcases mobility on the perimeter and physicality inside, capable of defending against big men and guards. Comparisons to notable players like Rashard Lewis, Chris Bosh, Michael Porter Jr., and Kevin Durant highlight the potential greatness in Smith’s career.

While praised for his skills, scouts note that Smith’s ball handling is an area for improvement, particularly in generating offense off the dribble.

National Team Career

Before making a mark in the NBA, Smith contributed to the United States’ success at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in Belém, Brazil. Scoring 13.8 pts and 6.2 rebounds per game, he played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal for the United States.

Jabari Smith Jr.’s journey from a talented high school prospect to a rising star in the NBA showcases his dedication, skill, and the promise of an exciting career. As he continues to make headlines with the Houston Rockets, basketball enthusiasts eagerly await the following chapters in his evolving story.

Relationship

Jabari Smith appears unattached and not romantically involved with anyone, based on our available records as of 2023. He is directing his attention toward building his NBA career, utilizing his youthful years to pave the way for his success in the basketball world. This focus on professional development is a common approach for individuals in the early stages of their careers. Here’s to Jabari Smith’s continued dedication and achievements, both on the court and in his journey.

Net Worth

Jabari Smith Jr., the talented professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets, boasts a net worth of $1.5 million as of 2022. At 20, he quickly became a rising star in the NBA, with a promising career ahead.

Salary Details 

Jabari Smith Jr. secured a substantial contract with the Houston Rockets, signing a 4-year deal worth $40,330,432. The agreement includes a guaranteed $40,330,432, with an annual average salary of $10,082,608. In the 2022-23 season, Smith Jr. is set to earn a base salary of $8,882,640. The contract details reflect the team’s confidence in his abilities and potential.

NBA Draft and Team Selection

In the 2022 NBA draft, Jabari Smith Jr. was selected by the Houston Rockets as the third overall pick. This marked a pivotal moment in his career as he transitioned from college basketball to the professional league.

Contract Agreement

The Houston Rockets and Jabari Smith Jr. agreed on a 4-year rookie-level contract. This signifies a commitment from both parties and highlights the team’s recognition of Smith Jr.’s talents. The rookie forward, a consensus All-American, demonstrated his prowess during his college career, averaging 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. The contract reflects the Rockets’ investment in his future contributions to the team.