Rockets Jabari Smith Jr. featured in new NBA Summer League documentary

The NBA Summer League has grown in popularity over the years, as casual fans and die-hard fans tune into the Vegas showcase more than ever. Many fans even travel to Nevada to see the game up close and in person.

The league is giving fans an early opportunity to see their new signings take the field and rock their new subjects. This also gives the highest drafted players the opportunity to compete against each other, creating a competitive game type of game.

Celebrities and many of the league’s best players are in the stands to show their support.

We’ve seen plenty of Houston Rockets thrive in the showcase, but perhaps none more so than Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., who dazzled in the 2023 Summer League, to the tune of 35.5 points, seven rebounds and four assists, helping the Rockets reach the Summer League championship game.

Smith was featured in the league’s new Summer League documentary, titled Basketball Stories: 20 Years of the Las Vegas Summer Leagueoriginally aired on NBA TV, and shared his thoughts on the growing exhibition league.

“It’s a place where you make mistakes. It’s a place where you improve and get better.”

Smith and teammate Tari Eason decided to return to Summer League at the end of their 2022-23 rookie campaigns, which was criticized by many, who were ready to write them off. However, it has gone a long way with new Rockets coach Ime Udoka as he has demonstrated a level of humility not often seen in lottery-level talents once they have reached the NBA.

With Summer League over, Smith explained what led him to step on the court and decide to be a part of the Rockets’ Summer League team.

“At first the coaches were asking me if I wanted to play. I felt like I wasn’t against it. I just had a talk with myself and started wondering why I wouldn’t play not? I feel like I have so much to improve on and so much more to show.

A new attack, new coaches, a new voice. Why not go out there and have fun? It’s basketball with referees. We’re not used to having that in the summer.”

Speaking of Summer League, Garrett Jackson was recently announced as the Rockets’ 2024 Summer League coach, although the rest of the roster has yet to be worked out.

Want to join the discussion? As Inside the rockets on Facebook and Follow us on twitter to stay up to date with all the latest Rockets news. You can also meet the team behind the cover.