The Houston Rockets‘ Jabari Smith Jr. will play in the 2024 Rising Star game during All-Star Weekend for the second year in a row. Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets will participate in the Panini Rising Stars event.
This season, Smith has started all 49 games and averaged 13.2 points and 8.4 rebounds. Smith’s selection assisted the Rockets in defeating the Lakers 135-119. He had nine rebounds, four assists, and eighteen points by the end of January 29. Smith said,
“It felt good, but I do wish my teammates were with me, Cam [Whitmore] and Amen [Thompson],” “But it is cool to be out there. It’s a fun experience. So, I am happy about it.”
After a 4 week absence, Smith played against the Lakers. He is going to be on Team Pau (Pau Gasol).
How Smith compares to his fellow teammates
Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller, the first and third picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, will be teammates of Smith. Smith is ranked third in rebounds, seventh in scoring, and third in total 3-pointers made among sophomores. After shooting 40.8 percent, including 30.7 percent from behind the arc, as a rookie in 2022–2023; he is now shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from 3-point range this season.
After playing 120 games in his career, he became the first player in NBA history to reach his career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and 3-pointers made.
Four teams of seven players each will compete in a three-game mini-tournament presented by Panini Rising Stars.
Three seven-player teams will be drafted from among the 21 NBA players who have been chosen by assistant coaches. The fourth team will be made up of the seven NBA G League players that were chosen by the league office.
The ultimate goal score for the semifinal matches is 40. There will be a final target score of 25 for the championship.