Before the start of the season, Sellars considered letting Smith Jr. play as a center due to unease with Sengon's defense, but later found that the effect was not good because he lacked strength and experience.
The ball style is soft and the shot is iron, and it is difficult for such a little Smith not to be labeled as a parallel cargo. Jaylen Green, who had a similar experience, encouraged Smith Jr., telling him to be brave and be himself. Like Jaylen Green last season, Smith Jr. also exploded after All-Star, shooting significantly and aggressively in the game.
Smith Jr. said of his recent performances that training hard pays off, that winning is a credit to the team, and that he fights hard for rebounds when he plays center.
Smith Jr. showed good rebounding awareness at the center position and did not lose to Mobley. Smith Jr. is also significantly better at shooting than Mobley, who shot just 21 percent from three-point range. Smith Jr. is averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds this season, shooting 40 percent from the field, 31 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the free-throw line.
Smith Jr. has been playing so well lately, is there a chance to compete for the best rookie or rookie first team? Some Rockets fans raised questions.
Many draft experts said that Smith Jr. broke out too late, he may not be a rookie, if the next few games can continue to break out, he is expected to enter the rookie second team.
Bleachs reporter Zach Barkley's personal prediction:
Rookie Rush: Kellers, Banchero, Keegan Murray, Marcelin and Jaylen Williams.
Rookie second-team: Jaylen Durham, Ethan, Sohan, Ive and Nembuchard.
Zach Barkley said Banchero averaged 20 points per game in his rookie season, and he showed a well-rounded technique and is expected to win Rookie of the Year. Kessler is impressive, he's a big man who defends well. Murray is the rookie three-point king of this year, and Marcelin is good at creating fouls, and they are both mature players. Jaylen Williams has played more than expected, he is an all-around warrior, he can go from 1 to 5, he can use his performance to influence the game.
Although Banchero's three-point and defensive defense are relatively average, he can lead the team. According to the latest statistics from the US media, when Banchero can play at least 10+5+5 statistics, the Magic's record is 11-3.
Kessler is the guard that many Rockets fans look forward to.
Houston star Fagan was optimistic that Jaylen Williams could play in the NBA before the draft, but unfortunately the Rockets did not have the opportunity to select him. I can only sigh that the Thunder is indeed very good in the draft!
Zach Barkley said that Ethan's defensive ability is among the top of this rookie, his offense has a lot of room for improvement, and he is full of energy in the game and can help the team a lot.
Ethan scored 21 points and 12 boards last time, averaging 9.2 points per game this season, averaging nearly 6 rebounds per game, shooting 46% from the field, and his rebounding ranked fifth among rookies, second in steals, fourth in blocks, and he averaged only 21 minutes per game.
Ethan's value is soaring, and some US media say the Titan is currently worth at least two first-round picks, while the Rockets have rejected multiple offers.
Previously, some American media said that the Rockets chose Taitai to look away and should choose the more mature Nembuch, and Stone missed the potential point guard.
The Bleachers said No. 31 pick Nembhard's playmaking skills were underestimated and could he do better if he had more possession.
Nembhard averaged 8.6 points and four assists in 27 minutes, the second-highest assist count among rookies. No. 1 Ivey averaged 4.9 assists but three turnovers, while Nembhard averaged just 1.6 turnovers per game and is a solid point guard.
Taller, better at shooting, better at passing and defending, Nembhard is better across the board than Taitai, who has been unable to get consistent playing time in the rebuilding team. Many Rockets fans also said that the No. 29 pick may be wasted.