Former Auburn star Jabari Smith Jr. Shines in Return to Alabama
Emotional Statement: It was an electric night in Birmingham as the Houston Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. returned to his home state of Alabama, scoring 26 points and leading the team to a thrilling 130-128 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in an NBA preseason game. But here's where it gets controversial... Smith's performance sparked debates about his potential impact on the Rockets' future.
Smith, who joined the Rockets as the third pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, spent 22:27 on the court, showcasing his versatility. He sank seven of his 16 field-goal attempts, made all eight of his free throws, and added five rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one blocked shot. His 10 points in the third quarter propelled the Rockets to a 14-point lead, but the Pelicans fought back, tying the game with 22 seconds left.
Controversial Interpretation: Some fans and analysts questioned Smith's role in the fourth quarter, suggesting that he could have done more to secure the win. However, others praised his all-around performance and highlighted his potential as a key player for the Rockets.
Smith, who is preparing for his fourth NBA season, enters the 2025-26 season with impressive career averages of 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. His performance in Alabama was a testament to his talent and determination, leaving fans eager to see how he will contribute to the Rockets' success.
Thought-Provoking Question: Will Jabari Smith Jr.'s performance in Alabama be a turning point in his career, or is it just a glimpse of what's to come? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
In addition to Smith, two other Alabama-born players, Rockets guard JD Davison and Pelicans guard Herb Jones, also returned to their home state to play basketball. Davison, who won the NBA Gatorade League Most Valuable Player Award last season, signed a two-way contract with Houston, allowing him to move between the NBA roster and the G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Jones, a former star at Alabama's Hale County, had 10 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one blocked shot in 24:16 of court time. Despite his impressive performance, the Pelicans struggled with their 3-point shots, making only 1-of-6 from behind the arc as a team.
Controversial Counterpoint: Some critics argued that the Pelicans' loss was due to their lack of shooting accuracy, while others praised Jones' all-around performance and highlighted the importance of home-state pride in the NBA.
The Rockets conclude their preseason schedule against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night before tipping off their regular-season slate on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pelicans, meanwhile, wrap up their preseason schedule against the Orlando Magic on Thursday night before facing the Memphis Grizzlies on October 22nd.
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By Mark Inabinett | minabinett@al.com
