Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. believes he made strides during the 2025-26 season, but recognizes there is still untapped potential in his game. Averaging 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 turnovers, 0.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 2.5 fouls, shooting 45.0% from the field, 53.7% on two-pointers, 36.3% from three-point range, and 77.5% from the free-throw line (54.1% effective field goal percentage) in 35.1 minutes per game with a +3.4 plus-minus across 77 starts, he set career highs in points, assists, two-point percentage, effective field goal percentage, and minutes played, while tying personal bests in steals, blocks, and three-point percentage.
Speaking on the Rocket Fuel podcast, Smith reflected on his development: “I think I just improved on confidence, knowing where to be, the mental side of it, knowing where my shots are going to come from, being aggressive. I got a lot stronger. I feel like my handle got a little better. I feel like I improved a little bit in all areas, but again, this offseason I just gotta get better at a lot of things. A lot of things I gotta work on. A lot of things I want to clean up. I know I’m nowhere near where I want to be. I know I’m nowhere near where I know I’m gonna be. So, it’s just on me to clean up everything. I feel like I can contribute in so many ways. I don’t want to pinpoint one thing I’m gonna work on, but work on my jumper, work on my handle, work on my strength, feet. I’m gonna be working on everything.”
