How Versatile is Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Defensively?

The Athletic's Kelly Iko takes a deep dive into Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr.'s overlooked defensive prowess.

Houston Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. may have been the best two-way player in Houston last season, as his 16 double-doubles were the most by a Rockets rookie since 7-foot-6 center Yao Ming in 2003. This feat was also the most by a teenage forward (in a single season) in NBA history.

However, Smith's defensive abilities were severely overlooked last season due to the Rockets' abysmal 22-60 record. 

The Athletic's Kelly Iko evaluated the 20-year-old's 94-feet mentality and recognized the biggest star he held in check.

In the Rockets first game against the Milwaukee Bucks last season, the rookie was assigned two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The future Hall-of-Famer scored 44 points and the Bucks won 125-105.

However, Smith watched film of Antetokounmpo and worked on his defense until they met again two months later, this time was different.

Antetokounmpo scored 16 points on 17 shots in a 97-92 loss. Smith also struggled from the field, but scoring wasn't his goal.

"I tried to challenge myself and compete with him, talk to my teammates and make it tough for him," Smith said. "It definitely wasn’t a one-man job, my teammates were locked in with me to build that wall. But me being on my Ps and Qs, reminding them he’s coming down full speed and we gotta be ready for him.”

Smith and Antetokounmpo are both around 6-foot-11, so the 2021 NBA Finals MVP's size wasn't an obstacle. However, Iko explained that Smith battled and stayed with all five positions.

"Smith spent the majority of his minutes defending power forwards (37.0 percent) and split the rest of his time with small forwards (21.2 percent), centers (15.0 percent), shooting guards (14.9 percent) and point guards (11.9 percent)," Iko said.

Smith's versatility is admired by Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, who's an eight-time All-NBA Defensive First and Second Team member.

“That kid’s got a lot of talent and skill,” Green said. “He communicates on the court. He’s more mature than his years; it’s impressive to see.”

Iko collected advice that Smith was given throughout the season, including from Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James.

"Work. Work. That’s all there is, man," James said. "There’s no substitution for work, man. He has a bright future."

2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart told Smith to keep going in the league's offensive-minded game.

"This game is not catered to any defensive player," Smart said. "This game is all catered to the offensive players. Everything they do, they’ll always get the benefit of the doubt and you’re always going to get scrutinized as the defensive player. Just understanding that and continuing to keep going."

If Smith continues at his versatile defensive pace and listens to the proven-accurate advice, he has the potential to add major accolades to his resume as early as next season.

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You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.

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