Inside The Rockets

Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Looking To All 82 Games: 'We Have Something To Prove'

Following the release of the 2023-24 schedule, Jabari Smith Jr. believes the Houston Rockets have something to prove next season.

Coty M. Davis

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HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets announced their schedule for the 2023-24 regular season. They will open their 57th year as a franchise with a two-game road trip against the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 25 and 27.

The games will feature anticipated match-ups against Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama for Jabari Smith Jr., who will attempt to make an early statement against his opponents to open his sophomore season.

But in the middle of his Back-to-School Bash at Sunnyside Community Center Saturday morning, Smith said he has every team circled after finishing his rookie season with 60 losses.

"We lost too many games last year — I feel like you have to circle everybody," Smith said. "We lost to almost every team in the league. We have stuff to prove. We were 22-60 last year. Every game we have to go in with the same mentality that we have something to prove."

The Rockets are a month away from training camp, but the team has spent the entire off-season laying the groundwork for a successful season.  

Smith has spent the summer working on his weaknesses in Atlanta and Houston. And over the past four months, the 20-year-old forward believes he has seen the most improvements in his ball handling and physical strength.

Smith has also communicated with coach Ime Udoka, who has shared tips throughout the summer on which attributes to work on in hopes of taking a significant leap next season.

"I am just getting back to who I am," Smith said. "I've been finding my identity. Finding what I am good at and improving on my weakness."

After starting the season on the road, the Rockets will host their home opener on Oct. 29 against the Golden State Warriors, marking the start of a seven-game homestand that will run through Nov. 12.

The Rockets will play four games as part of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. Houston will play their first In-Season tournament contest of Group B on Nov. 10 against the New Orleans Pelicans inside the Toyota Center.

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Coty M. Davis
COTY M. DAVIS

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