Jabari Smith Jr. had a solid season for the Rockets during the 2025-26 campaign, his fourth year in Houston. The Auburn alum slightly improved some of his shooting percentages while also increasing his averages on the defensive end. That said, the former No. 3 overall pick hasn’t quite developed the way Rockets fans have hoped.
In 77 games, averaging a career-high 35.1 minutes per contest, Smith Jr. tallied 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.7 steals. Smith Jr.’s field goal and 3-point percentage were slightly up from a season ago, but his shot selection has been questioned at times. While his steals and blocks averages were up as well, his rebounding numbers were down, even after a season-ending injury to center Steven Adams. While all of the 23-year-old’s numbers were solid on paper, Smith Jr. has yet to become a star in his role around Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun. After previously signing a rookie extension, Smith Jr. will remain under contract with the team until the summer of 2031.
Overall grade: B-
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets 2025-26 player grades: Jabari Smith Jr.
Reporting by Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
