The Houston Rockets would love to see a breakout season from Jabari Smith Jr. One NBA analyst is picking him to win the league's Most Improved Player award.
It won't be easy. Smith Jr. isn't even the only Rocket who's seen to be in the running for the award. ESPN picked Amen Thompson as the leaguewide favorite to win Most Improved Player.
Each has a case. Thompson feels like he's poised for a star turn. Still, fans shouldn't underestimate Smith Jr:
If anything, he's got more room to improve.