What do the Rockets need from Jabari Smith Jr.?

Could Jabari Smith Jr. be an elite 3-and-D wing?At times, there appears to be some cognitive dissonance among fans about what it means to select a player in the lottery.

Superstardom is widely assumed of any player picked within the top five. That’s largely a function of fandom. Unless you’re actively trying to be critical (i.e. if you’re a habitual downer, like I am), it’s hard to imagine anything short of the best-case scenario for an incoming rookie.

To be sure, the best-case scenario for Jabari Smith Jr. is an enticing one. At 6’10 with a 7’2 wingspan and exceptional hip flexibility and lateral mobility, Smith has an incredible defensive profile. The fact that he’s the best pure shooter…