Sun Dec 07 04:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Jabari Smith Jr. Snubbed from Top 100 List Despite Career Year: Rockets Hope for Fuel

HOUSTON, TX – Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been left off The Ringer’s Top 100 NBA players list, a surprising omission considering his statistically best season to date. The news comes despite Smith averaging 15.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, while shooting a strong 45% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc.

Smith’s career has been marked by fluctuating roles and expectations. Initially projected to be the top pick, he landed in Houston amidst a rebuilding phase. Under coach Ime Udoka, Smith’s playing time saw adjustments, including a stint coming off the bench during the team’s 2024-25 playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.

Despite these shifts, Smith has shown significant growth this season. While teammate Tari Eason made The Ringer’s Top 100 list, Smith’s absence has raised eyebrows amongst Rockets fans and NBA analysts.

Whether this snub will serve as motivation for Smith remains to be seen. Some players, like Eason, have openly expressed frustration with similar omissions. The Rockets organization will likely hope Smith can channel any disappointment into further development and on-court performance, as they continue to build towards contention. While teammate Sengun stated that he couldn’t care less, some players seek motivation from such lists. Like Eason, who was notably frustrated with his omission from ESPN’s list earlier in the year.

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