The rookie forward discussed the potential chase for Rookie of the Year on Wednesday, though he added he has bigger goals for the 2022-23 season.
“[Rookie of the Year] is definitely a goal, but my main focus is winning,” Smith said. “Changing this culture around, getting things to back to what Houston is known for and that's winning.”
Smith would join some illustrious company if he wins Rookie of the Year this season. He would join center Ralph Sampson (1983-84) and guard Steve Francis (1999-2000) as the only Rockets to win the award, and he would be the third SEC product to win Rookie of the Year across the last two decades.