As the Houston Rockets continue building up their squad towards championship contention, they have clearly prioritized the identification and maintenance of a young core that they can depend on long-term.
Now, in a Media Day interview, Jabari Smith Jr. has re-iterated his desire to stay in Houston for the rest of his career, and his contract extension that he signed this offseason represents a show of faith on behalf of the organization in regards to his continued importance for the team.
Although Smith came off the bench towards the end of last season as he rehabbed from injury, his height and athletic skill-set will become increasingly vital to the team's success as he continues to develop, and his desire to stay with the team long-term should be excellent news for the organization.