Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. trying to focus on development, not losses

With the Houston Rockets (13-45) owning the NBA’s worst record at the All-Star break, rookie Jabari Smith Jr. says he’s trying to focus on development, as opposed to wins and losses. But it’s not easy.

Smith hasn’t shot the ball as well as he expected (38.9% FG, 30.3% on 3-pointers) in a rookie season where he’s averaging 12.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in 29.9 minutes per game.

But perhaps the biggest adjustment has come in terms of wins and losses, with the 19-year-old transitioning from one of the top teams in college basketball last season at Auburn to a Houston squad that is now in its third straight year of having the NBA’s worst record.

Prior to Friday’s Rising Stars game at All-Star weekend, which Smith will compete in, he discussed the difficult dynamic with Tramel Raggs of the Washington Post. Smith’s comments:

It’s been kind of tough for me. Last year, we had a lot of wins. We were the best team in the country (ranked No. 1) at one point, and now it’s kind of flip-flopped. It’s kind of tough, but you still have to try and find a way to stay motivated throughout the season with your teammates.

We’re still growing. Just learn. That’s all it’s about. We’re not looking at the record. We’re looking at overall development, both the team development and staying with it. It’s still basketball. We’re trying not to worry about the record too much.

Rockets F Jabari Smith Jr. on the mental shift from playing at Auburn to Houston: “It’s been kinda tough for me…We were the best teams in the country at one point and now it’s kind of flip-flopped.” pic.twitter.com/lAEXz1CaW1

— Tramel Raggs (@Raggs_No_Riches) February 17, 2023

For Jalen Green, drafted No. 2 overall in the 2021 first round, his rookie season greatly improved after the All-Star break and a high-profile stint among his peers in the 2022 Rising Stars tournament.

That’s a template that Smith, the No. 3 pick in 2022, would love to adopt for his own use as his 2022-23 rookie year winds down.