Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith made quite the impression in his preseason debut Sunday night.
The No. 3 pick in the 2022 draft led all players—along with fellow rookie Tari Eason—in Houston's 134-96 victory over the Spurs, adding eight rebounds. Smith made his greatest impact on the offensive end, where he flashed his sweet shooting stroke. The Auburn product drained five threes against San Antonio, including a smooth pull-up triple in transition. You won’t see many 6-foot-10 players hit such a shot with ease, let alone those entering their first professional season.
Smith shot 42 percent from three in his lone year at Auburn last season, and his unique offensive skill-set was a notable factor in his rise to the top of the 2022 draft class.