Interviews: Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith, Rockets’ draft hopefuls speak out
Led by Duke forward Paolo Banchero and Auburn forward Jabari Smith, several potential draftees for the Houston Rockets are meeting virtually with the media in the days leading up to the 2022 NBA draft.
After Wednesday’s trade sending Christian Wood to Dallas, the Rockets suddenly have three first-round picks on Thursday, June 23. They’ve long held their own selection at No. 3 overall and one from Brooklyn at No. 17, and they now add the Mavericks’ pick at No. 26 to the mix.
If Houston keeps all those picks, that means that two or three different tiers of prospects are potential candidates to join the team.
With that in mind, numerous prospects are either mentioning the Rockets or being specifically asked about them as part of the ongoing media interview circuit. Sorted by player, here’s a look at who has been linked to Houston so far, along with what they’ve had to say about the Rockets.
(This list will be continuously updated over the coming days as more interviews trickle in. Most recent update: Friday, June 17)
Jabari Smith
Auburn forward Jabari Smith, on Zoom with the media, on potential of falling to the 3rd pick, going to the Rockets & playing for Coach Silas and next to @alperennsengun: “I haven’t put much thought into it, but I think that’ll be a great fit..I think it’ll be real hard to guard” pic.twitter.com/iL51u8lZjR
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 16, 2022
Jabari Smith said he doesn't have any other visits planned outside of Orlando and Oklahoma City. Said he didn't see himself falling past the No.2 pick — which explains him not making a trip to Houston.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) June 16, 2022
Jabari Smith cites his ability to affect both sides of the ball, knock down shots & to affect winning as to why he feels like he should be the no. 1 pick. Also said Paolo Banchero & Chet Holmgren are great, likes how unselfish they are w/ their contributions to their teams.
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) June 16, 2022
Jabari Smith sees no need to meet with Rockets before NBA draft https://t.co/5hXLi0tirv via @houstonchron
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) June 16, 2022
Ousmane Dieng
I asked Ousmane Dieng how he would fit with the Rockets but he didn't mention anything specific about the team. He considers himself to be very versatile and a good fit anywhere. "I can do whatever the coach asks me to do." pic.twitter.com/8G5oIQ981c
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 16, 2022
Ousmane Dieng will not reveal which teams he worked out for. He was asked directly if he worked out with the Rockets and said he couldn't answer.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 16, 2022
Bennedict Mathurin
Bennedict Mathurin on his contact with the #Rockets – "I've had an interview with the Rockets at the combine. That was pretty much it." pic.twitter.com/u381WtJid9
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 16, 2022
Malaki Branham
Malaki Branham worked out with the Rockets, according to a source. The source is Malaki Branham. pic.twitter.com/k3A9SzNwV7
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 16, 2022
Malaki Branham on the #Rockets "I see me fitting in Houston very well, actually. They get out and run." He thinks his shot-making ability would be a good fit in Houston.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 16, 2022
Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero on Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.: "Those are two extremely skilled, extremely talented players. Both guys I've known for a while. I feel like playing with them would be fun. Both unselfish guys. Guys who want to win."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 17, 2022
Duke forward Paolo Banchero (@Pp_doesit)on potential of playing w/ @JalenGreen & Kevin Porter Jr:”Those are 2 extremely skilled..talented players..It would be fun..Both seem like they want to win..If they were to add me-it would elevate them more,elevate myself &elevate the team” pic.twitter.com/bjLkawoPNy
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 17, 2022
Paolo: "I'll be blessed to hear my name called by any of the top 3, Houston included. They've got a good situation they're building. Any of the top 3 I would be happy with."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 17, 2022
Duke forward Paolo Banchero, on Zoom with media, on what it’d mean if the @HoustonRockets call his name at #3: “I’ll be blessed to hear my name called by any of the top 3,Houston included.They got a good situation that they’re building. If they were to add me..it’d be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/pdOJeKZbp9
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 17, 2022
Paolo Banchero on possibly being coached by Stephen Silas: "He's a real smart coach, big on Xs and Os. Just talking to him you can tell he has some big stuff planned. It would be a great opportunity."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 17, 2022
Duke F Paolo Banchero (@Pp_doesit)on potential of playing for Stephen Silas:”From meeting him,he’s a real smart coach..u can tell he has a lot of stuff planned in the future w/ the young core they have. Whoever they add-whether it’s me or somebody else,he’s gonna have it rolling” pic.twitter.com/dml6Bskran
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 17, 2022
Jalen Williams
I asked Jalen if he had worked out for the Rockets, and added if he had, how it went and who he met with.
"I have not worked out for the Rockets… (long pause)… how's that for killing the buzz?"
I like this guy. Very charismatic and confident. https://t.co/RiObM3lyVt
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 17, 2022
Jalen Williams said a lot of teams are trending towards psychology tests in workouts, calling them tests to see how "fast things click." I thought that was interesting.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 17, 2022
Shaedon Sharpe
Shaedon Sharpe confirmed his first workout was with the OKC Thunder.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 17, 2022
Shaedon Sharpe on how he views his future: "I see myself as one of the greatest players to ever play basketball."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 17, 2022
MarJon Beauchamp
Beauchamp thought it would be "crazy" to partner up with Jalen Green. He envisioned a lot of transition and running if he was drafted by Houston. https://t.co/o917zkJ7kH
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 17, 2022
Beauchamp on the #Rockets: "I have a 7'1" wingspan. I'm very active. I feel like I can bring that energy, that spark. That's kind of what they were missing when I was watching them this year."
He feels like he can come into the NBA and guard the league's best players.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 17, 2022
Upcoming draft interviews
On Monday, we'll have interviews with Jaden Ivey, Johnny Davis, AJ Griffin, Tari Eason, Jalen Duren, Mark Williams and Chet Holmgren.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 17, 2022
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