Smith intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
Smith is set to remain in Houston on a long-term deal. The Rockets have had a busy start to the offseason, resigning numerous free agents, bringing in Kevin Durant and extending Steven Adams as well as Smith. Smith shifted to a reserve role down the stretch last season after starting every game over his first two years in the league, but he still averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per contest over 57 regular-season appearances. The addition of Kevin Durant raises questions about how Smith will be utilized, but the large commitment from the front office suggests the 22-year-old will remain a key piece.
Rockets' Jabari Smith: Barely touched floor in Game 7 loss
Rotowire
Smith recorded three points (1-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt) and four rebounds over 12 minutes during Sunday's 103-89 loss to the Warriors in Game 7 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Smith was barely noticeable in the loss, logging a series-low 12 minutes. It was a disappointing postseason all around for Smith, who scored in double digits just twice in seven appearances, while recording just six combined steals and blocks. His role moving forward is up in the air, with his lackluster play of late certain to factor into any decisions the coaching staff comes up with during the offseason.
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Rockets' Jabari Smith: Muted performance in win
Rotowire
Smith supplied eight points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt), three rebounds and one assist over 19 minutes during Friday's 115-107 win over the Warriors in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Smith remained a non-factor in this first-round series, as he's cracked double digits in the scoring department only twice in six games. So far in the series, the Auburn product has averaged 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 55.2 percent from the floor and 47.4 percent from deep.
Smith closed with six points (2-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, three assists and one block over 22 minutes during Monday's 109-106 loss to the Warriors in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Although Smith has shot the ball really well in this series with a 57.9 percent mark from the field and 54.5 percent from beyond the arc, his usage and workload are both down. Through four games, he's seeing 24.3 minutes with 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.5 three-pointers. The Rockets seem content rolling with Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson.
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Rockets' Jabari Smith: Efficient shooting in loss
Rotowire
Smith (groin) accumulated 11 points (3-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, one block and one steal across 25 minutes during Sunday's 95-85 loss to the Warriors in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Smith didn't light up the scoreboard during his time on the court, but he was efficient with his limited opportunities and ended up pacing the Houston bench in minutes. The Rockets shot just 20.7 percent from downtown as a team in Game 1, so head coach Ime Udoka could look to open up more minutes for Smith in Game 2 if he wants to get an extra perimeter threat on the court.
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Rockets' Jabari Smith: Good to go for Game 1
Rotowire
Smith (groin) is not listed on the injury report for Sunday's matchup with the Warriors in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series.
Smith missed the final three games of the regular season due to left groin soreness, but he's not expected to be operating with any restrictions as the Rockets open their postseason run. After returning from a right hand fracture following the All-Star break, Smith averaged 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.8 three-pointers and 1.1 assists in 29.0 minutes per game over his final 24 appearances.
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Rockets' Jabari Smith: Ready to face Denver
Rotowire
Smith (groin) is not on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Nuggets.
The Rockets rested their regular rotation players in the last two contests, but that won't be the case Sunday because this is the final chance the Rockets will have to log competitive minutes until the playoffs start April 19. As such, Smith should see his regular workload in the frontcourt, though he's expected to come off the bench, as that's been the case in recent weeks. He's started in just six of his 24 appearances since the All-Star break.
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Rockets' Jabari Smith: Won't play Sunday
Rotowire
Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nuggets.
Smith will miss a third straight game Sunday due to left groin soreness. Houston will likely lean on Tari Eason and Jeff Green to help shoulder the load in the frontcourt.
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Rockets' Jabari Smith: Will be sidelined Friday
Rotowire
Smith (groin) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Lakers.
Smith has been downgraded from questionable to out and will miss a second straight game. It's unclear if he'll return to action for Sunday's regular-season finale, as the Rockets already have the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference locked up. In Smith's absence, Cam Whitmore is a candidate for increased usage.
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