Jabari Smith Jr. is an emerging NBA talent, recognized for his versatility as a power forward. He was drafted third in total by the Houston Rockets in 2022, following a standout college career at Auburn University. Smith averaged 12.2 points per game over his initial two seasons and achieved a career-high shooting percentage of 56.2% in the 2023-24 season. His family has a rich basketball legacy, further enhancing his profile in the sport. More insights about his path await.
Early Life
Jabari Smith Jr. grew up in a basketball-oriented family and attended Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, where he quickly established himself as a standout player.
During his senior year, he achieved considerable recognition by being named Mr. Georgia Basketball and the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year, highlighting his exceptional talent on the court.
Following high school, Smith continued to excel in basketball at Auburn University, where he made a remarkable impact during his freshman season, averaging 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
His accomplishments earned him consensus second-team All-American honors and the title of National Freshman of the Year by the NABC and USBWA.
Smith’s basketball lineage is also impressive; he is the son of Jabari Smith Sr., a former NBA player, and is related to Kwame Brown, the initial top pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, adding to his impressive basketball heritage.
Family Life
Jabari Smith Jr. comes from a family deeply rooted in basketball. His father, Jabari Smith Sr., had a professional career after being drafted 45th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2000 NBA Draft.
Smith Jr.’s cousin, Kwame Brown, made history as the initial overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. This impressive family legacy has certainly influenced Smith Jr.’s own path in the sport.
His accolades include being named Mr. Georgia Basketball and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior year of high school, in addition to winning a gold medal at the 2019 FIBA Under-16 Championship, demonstrating his skills on an international stage.
Career
Jabari Smith Jr. was selected third in total by the Houston Rockets in the 2022 NBA Draft, marking the start of an impactful career.
In his initial two seasons, he has exhibited his versatility as a power forward, averaging 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
During the 2023-24 season, Smith reached a career-high shooting percentage of 56.2%, highlighting his scoring efficiency.
His notable contributions were recognized when he was named to the NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team in 2022-23.
Furthermore, Smith has shown promise as a long-range shooter, featuring a career three-point shooting percentage of 35.4%.
Net Worth
As of the 2024-25 season, Jabari Smith Jr. has an estimated net worth of approximately $18 million.
His current contracts for the 2024-26 seasons are valued at over $22 million, with specific salaries of $9,770,880 for the 2024-25 season and $12,350,392 for the 2025-26 season.
Moreover, his projected qualifying offer is around $16 million, with a cap hold expected at $30 million, indicating a promising financial future as he continues to excel in the NBA.