Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. struggles despite Kevin Durant’s presence

When is it Houston Rockets chosen Jabari Smith Jr. third overall in the 2022 NBA draft, some believed it was a steal. Smith was talked about as a potential No. 1 pick before the Orlando Magic turned to Paolo Buncher.

But in the four years since, the top three picks in that draft have resembled the old SAT question: Which one isn’t like the rest?

Banchero averaged more than 20 points per game in each of his four seasons, establishing himself as a star for the Magic. Chet Holmgren, who was selected second overall, finished as the runner-up for Rookie of the Year and later helped the Oklahoma City Thunder secure the NBA Championship.

Then there’s Smith.

He averaged just 13 points per game in his career, while Alperen Sengun he surpassed him and became Houston’s centerpiece and prompted the Rockets to bring Kevin Durant.

But that was also believed to be Durant’s addition the developmental catalyst that would unlock Smith. So much so that the Rockets gave Smith a five-year, $122 million extension last summer.

Smith and Durant have coached together for years, fueling comparisons and optimism that Smith could grow into a younger version of Durant.

And while Smith is currently averaging a career-best 15 points per game, the deeper metrics tell a different story.

Smith gets a lot of open looks because of Durant’s gravitas, the most on the team in fact, but he just doesn’t capitalize. He shoots 32% on threes and only 40% on open shots inside the arc. By NBA tracking standards, an “open” shot is one with the nearest defender within 4-6 feet. Shots Smith, whose greatest attribute is shooting, should shoot at a much faster rate. Especially when they account for 31% of his total attempts.

That’s a big reason why he hasn’t shown much improvement, as Smith’s shooting percentages are pretty much the same as his sophomore season, showing little development. His 3-point percentage this season (36%) mirrors his sophomore output, while his two-point percentage dropped from 53% to 52%. His overall field goal percentage also dropped, from 45% to 44%.

The step forward the Rockets have been hoping for has yet to materialize.

Instead, it was Tara Easona player with a similar skill set (defense and outside shooting), who has shown more consistency and value.

Eason is shooting a career-best 47% from beyond the arc and has been the one he almost played the winning game Wednesday night in Portland. Houston has gone 6-2 since inserting Eason into the starting lineup.

And with Sengun asideThe Rockets would love to see Smith step up and take on a bigger offensive role. Instead, he’s shot 2-for-13 in two of three games without Sengun and is hitting just 22% of his three-point attempts during that stretch.

When the Rockets needed him most, he didn’t answer the call. In losses, Smith shoot 35%compared to a 51% win rate. His offensive rating is 134 in wins, but only 104 in losses.

If Durant’s addition isn’t enough to unlock the next level of Smith’s game, it might be fair to wonder what will be.