Jabari Smith Jr. reveals OKC Thunder making fake promises before NBA draft: “It’s something you have in the back of your mind”
Out of all the rookies this season, Jabari Smith Jr. is one of the most exciting to watch for his stellar play on both ends. When NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name during the draft, it was clear that he was expecting something else, it turned out to be true.
According to his father, Smith Sr., the Oklahoma City Thunder promised to use their second pick on him. By the time it was the Thunder's turn to select a prospect, it was Chet Holmgren's name that was announced and not Jabari's.
"So, they called Chet Holmgren’s name, and he lost it."
"Leg went to shaking. I looked at him. He is almost in tears. And I forgot that he told me that OKC [promised to draft him], so I got to keep my mouth closed about that.
"I talked to him, 'Well, hey, what are you doing? Straighten your face, man. You good, you good, you good.' You know the camera was right at the table," Smith Sr. said.
Jabari Smith Jr. says the Thunder promised to draft him with the No. 2 pick.
His dad: “So, they called Chet Holmgren’s name, and he lost it… He is almost in tears.. I talked to him… ‘Straighten your face, man. You good…’”
(via @andscape, andscape.com/features/jabar…) https://t.co/rchqAmx3LJ
His father's words resonated with him and the young Rockets star changed his mentality.
"People around me just reminded me, 'You’re still the third pick in the draft,'" Smith Jr. said. "'You’ve still accomplished something that a lot of people don’t accomplish, and that’s making it to the NBA.' So, I had to put that behind me, just enjoy the moment, and live in the moment."
Smith Jr. was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the third overall pick over the summer. While he was on his way to shake the commissioner's hand, it was obvious that he was expecting a different team to call his name. For the young bigman, his experience in the draft could've been his first taste of how business-centered the NBA is.
Still, even after falling third, Smith Jr. has displayed an incredible outing for Houston. So far, he's averaging 11.9 points and 7.0 rebounds in 54 games. With him at the helm, the future is looking bright for the young Rockets squad.
Also read: What did Stephen Silas say about Jabari Smith Jr.? Explaining his shocking criticism and "not given much at all" comments
Jabari Smith Jr. is a perfect big for the Rockets
Before joining the Rockets, many were curious as to how Jabari Smith Jr. would fit in with the team. After all, they already have Alperen Sengun as their man in the middle, and adding another big could complicate things. However, because of his varied playing style, he was able to compliment well with the other prospects on the roster.
Smith Jr. can stretch the defense, which opens up the floor for guys like Sengun and Jalen Green to do damage from inside. He also hustles hard for a young player, who shows his dedication to making an impact.
This is elite stuff from Jabari Smith Jr.
Need to see this more often. https://t.co/rMYTpHupYZ
Big things are expected of him and this is just the beginning.
Also read: Watch: “You played against my dad your first NBA game ever” - Jabari Smith Jr. finds hilarious way to remind LeBron James of his age