Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. Explains Decision To Change Jersey Number To 10

Jabari Smith Jr. has changed his jersey number to 10 ahead of his second season with the Houston Rockets.

HOUSTON — Jabari Smith Jr. changed his jersey number to 10 ahead of his second season with the Houston Rockets.

The number became synonymous with Smith during his lone collegiate year at Auburn University. But Smith was forced to change his jersey number after joining the Rockets following the 2022 NBA Draft. 

Eric Gordon, who signed with the Rockets as a free agent in 2016, had occupied the number. The Rockets traded Gordon on Feb. 9 to the Los Angeles Clippers, and his departure allowed Smith to reunite with his college number. 

Smith is the second player who changed his jersey number ahead of their sophomore season. He revealed the significance behind the number by describing it as his identity.

It’s more than a number. It’s an identity.

Introducing, 10.
@jabarismithjr | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/oV3pspOSS5

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) May 11, 2023

Smith, whose rookie season started a little rocky, received All-Rookie second-team honors following the 2022-23 campaign. He played 79 games and averaged 12.8 points on 40.8 percent shooting from the field and 7.2 rebounds.

Smith began to find his niche following the All-Star break, where he averaged 16.0 points on 47.2 percent shooting from the field, 7.7 rebounds and a block over the last 20 games. He credited former coach Stephen Silas' teachings for his late-season emergence.

"He just keeps trusting you," Smith said. "He doesn't lose hope. He knows what I can do and knows my abilities. He never tells me I shot a bad shot, and it always puts confidence in me. He just keeps teaching me, and he knows I am learning. He has been with some of the greats. And I keep learning from him."

Ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, Jalen Green switched his number from zero to four. Former veteran forward Danuel House Jr. had the number when Green joined the Rockets as the second selection of the 2021 NBA draft. 

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