9 articles
HOU • Forward • #10
4 months ago
While Smith ended this past season as a reserve, he remains a key building block for the Rockets. Sunday’s development clearly indicates how the team thinks of the 2022 lottery pick. Smith averaged 12.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.7 three-pointers per game in 2024-25, finishing well outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats. With Kevin Durant on board, Smith will likely take on a reserve role for the Rockets as they look to challenge Oklahoma City atop the Western Conference.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • Forward • #10
5 months ago
Smith and the Rockets’ season ended disappointingly, as the Warriors bounced them from the first round of the playoffs in seven games. The 2022 lottery pick would eventually be moved to the bench late in the regular season, lowering his playing time. Whether it’s as a starter or as a reserve, Smith is working to improve his ability to make plays off the dribble. In addition to the stated desire to improve, he’s worth watching this offseason due to the recent Kevin Durant trade rumors. While Houston was adamant that it wanted to keep its young core together during the season, that may change this summer. And Smith’s name has been mentioned as one the Suns would likely be focused on if they were to make a deal with the Rockets.
Source: Ari Alexander
HOU • Forward • #10
7 months ago
Absent from the initial injury report, Smith will not play in Houston’s regular-season finale. His absence likely frees up rotation minutes for Cam Whitmore, who went off for 34 points in Friday’s loss to the Lakers. His ceiling won’t be as high on Sunday, especially with Rockets coach Ime Udoka deciding to play his starters their usual minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #10
7 months ago
Smith has been cleared to play after the Rockets initially listed him as questionable. He’ll come off the bench again, and Smith’s value takes a slight hit with Dillon Brooks returning from a one-game suspension. Smith should still be rostered in most leagues.
Source: Danielle Lerner
HOU • Forward • #10
7 months ago
Smith played 34 minutes in Friday’s win over the Thunder, grabbing 17 rebounds off the bench. However, his playing time was boosted somewhat by the absence of Dillon Brooks, who was serving a one-game suspension. With Brooks available, Smith’s playing time will likely decrease on Sunday if his ankle does not keep him out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #10
8 months ago
Smith Jr. was pushed back to playing a reserve role with Tari Eason back in the lineup, but that didn’t stop him from filling up the box score. Smith Jr. set a new season-high for scoring in this game and came up clutch at the end. He hit a three-pointer with less than 30 seconds left to cut Philly’s lead to three, and with Houston down three with five seconds left, Smith Jr. was sent to the free throw line. He made the first and perfectly missed the second at the right angle to allow Alperen Sengun to collect the rebound and tie the game up. It has been a rough year overall for Smith Jr., but hopefully this can provide him with some momentum.
HOU • Forward • #10
8 months ago
The Rockets were without Tari Eason for Saturday’s game, as it was the team’s second in as many nights. As a result, Smith returned to the starting lineup and provided solid value in the rebound category. However, being a starter may limit Smith’s ceiling as a scorer. With the Rockets playing four games without a back-to-back during Week 20, Eason’s availability should not be an issue. That would mean a return to the bench for Smith, who should still be rostered in most leagues.
HOU • Forward • #10
8 months ago
In the first of what will be multiple games without Amen Thompson (ankle), Smith Jr. returned to the starting lineup, which is a role that he may be able to maintain for a handful of games. He had his highest-scoring performance since December and tied his season-high for three-pointers made. In a low-scoring game, Smith Jr. was still able to make an impact on the offensive end, which was encouraging to see. Houston still has three more games this week, making him a valuable option with Thompson sidelined.
HOU • Forward • #10
8 months ago
After Fred VanVleet’s return from a strained ankle pushed Smith to the bench on Saturday, he was back in the starting lineup Monday night. Smith didn’t have a great night against the Thunder, shooting 5-of-14 from the field, but his rebounding production was solid. This lineup change may hold for the foreseeable future, as VanVleet aggravated his ankle injury on Saturday. If so, that will allow Smith to provide increased value in the short term.