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Interviews: Led by Jabari Smith, 2022 draftees react to joining Rockets
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Houston RocketsLiveTodayTomorrowvs--|- Jabari SmithAmerican basketball player
- Jabari SmithLiveTodayTomorrowvs--|
The Rockets were clearly happy to add Auburn forward Jabari Smith with the No. 3 pick in Thursday’s 2022 NBA draft. For Smith, who was projected by most mock drafts to go at No. 1, there was a bit of shock.
But judging by his reaction interview from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Banchero appeared similarly excited to be headed to Houston.
“I’m happy to be where I’m wanted,” Smith said after Thursday’s stunning turn of events. “I’m glad they took a chance on me. I’m ready to get in there and show them they made the right decision.”
It was the start of a busy night for the Rockets, who also entered with picks at No. 17 (via Brooklyn) and No. 26 (via Dallas) in the first-round order. While we will have full coverage of general manager Rafael Stone’s post-draft press conference later Thursday night, here’s a look at the immediate reaction from players who are soon on their way to Houston.
Related
Rafael Stone, Stephen Silas prioritizing development over wins in 2022-23
Paolo Banchero emerges late as betting favorite for No. 1 pick
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Interviews
"I'm just happy to be where I wanted. Ready to get in there and show them they made the right decision."@jabarismithjr speaks with @TaylorRooks after going No. 3 to Houston. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/JmKSCCgEGs
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 24, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. on if this puts a chip on his shoulder: "Definitely. It wasn't what I was expecting, but I'm happy to be here. I wouldn't want to be nowhere else."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 24, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. on what he brings to the #Rockets: "I'm just going to bring competitive edge. My shooting ability, my ability to score, ability to guard multiple positions, and just my will to win, you know what I'm saying? I'm a team player, so that's what they're getting."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 24, 2022
#JabariRevengeTour https://t.co/sf7rRj91Si
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 24, 2022
New @HoustonRockets forward @jabarismithjr: “Most looking forward to playing against, LeBron (@KingJames). That was my idol growing up. So that’s who I’m looking forward to playing against.” pic.twitter.com/j0vFxHIIrV
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 24, 2022
.@jabarismithjr on what he plans to bring the @HoustonRockets: “I’m just gonna bring a competitor edge. My shooting ability. My ability to score. My ability to guard multiple positions and just my will to win. I’m a team player. That’s what they’re getting.” pic.twitter.com/kDFcMpH8Tn
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 24, 2022
.@jabarismithjr is ready to get to work 😤 pic.twitter.com/nreWyo6bmC
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 24, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. on his current mindset: "Motivated. Real motivated to get down there, get to work and just meet my teammates, meet my staff, just meet everybody down there. Just building relationships, getting to know the family and just getting to work."#Rockets
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 24, 2022
Jabari Smith Jr. on his career goals: "Win an NBA championship, multiple-time All-Star and ultimately be a Hall of Famer and one day be listed as one of the greatest ever."#Rockets
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 24, 2022
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