Rockets Forward Jabari Smith No. 8 in Latest NBA Rookie Ladder

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft remains a noteworthy rookie performer that should garner placement on either All-Rookie Team come season's end.

Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. was placed at No. 8 on the latest installment of the NBA Rookie Ladder. 

NBA.com aggrandized Smith Jr. in comparison to his peers with a very brief highlight of his stats, saying: 

"8. Jabari Smith, Jr., Houston Rockets

Season stats: 11.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.2 apg
Since last Ladder: 10.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.8 apg
Last Ladder: No. 7
Draft pick: No. 3 overall

Shooting perks up (53.8%/41.7%) his past three games."

Due to diminished scoring, rebounding and assists output since the last ladder, Smith Jr. found a way to slip in their rankings. Regardless, the forward has shown promise this season.

Smith Jr. has had 10 double-doubles on the year -- good for fourth among all rookies, trailing Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz, 15), Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons, 12) and Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic, 10).

All the tools desired in a big have been shown in Smith Jr. He's had several games with at least three assists, two or more blocks, and two or more steals. Most notably, he's had 16 games with three or more three-pointers. Smith Jr. shot 37 percent or better from distance in 13 of those 16 contests. 

The Rockets have been underwhelming on the year, yet he and Alperen Sengun have formed a cohesive tandem in the Houston frontcourt. Smith Jr. has 17 remaining games in the regular season to add to an already solid rookie campaign.

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