Jabari Smith is ready to compete “where he is wanted”
Jabari Smith was all but a lock to be taken No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft according to multiple mock drafts leading to draft night.
However, when the Orlando Magic elected to go in another direction by choosing Duke’s Paolo Banchero, it became a shock to many, including Smith.
Smith would then slide to No. 3 overall and be taken by the Houston Rockets. Smith was expectedly upset that he was not taken No. 1 overall, but says that he understands that it is all a part of a greater plan and that he is ready to thrive for the Rockets.
“Definitely added a chip, but God makes no mistakes, so I’m happy to be here,” Smith told reporters on Thursday night. “I’m happy to be where I’m wanted. I’m happy to get to Houston and just show them… Give them what they picked. Just happy to be here.”
Although the Rockets are in “rebuilding mode”, they are a franchise known for making deep playoff runs. Smith is hungry to get Houston back to their days of glory.
“I want to make the playoffs,” Smith said during his interview on ESPN. “I want to win games. That is how I was raised. That is just who I am. I want to come in and win games. I know if I come in every day trying to win, everything else will take care of itself. I am looking forward to a big year.”
Smith, along with Walker Kessler, became the third and fourth players from Auburn to be drafted in the first round since 2019, joining chuma okeke (Magic) and Isaac Okoro (Hawks). They are also the 9th and 10th players in Auburn history to be taken in the first round of the NBA Draft.
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