Rockets welcome Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, TyTy Washington to Houston
HOUSTON — Rockets draftees Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and TyTy Washington each traveled to their new NBA home Friday and shared their initial impressions upon visiting Toyota Center for the first time.
The former Auburn forward, LSU forward, and Kentucky guard all made their way from Barclays Center in Brooklyn — where the 2022 NBA draft took place Thursday — to Houston less than 24 hours later.
It was a whirlwind day, but each of Houston’s prized rookie prospects was clearly thrilled by the experience.
“It made me happy,” Smith said of the support shown by the Rockets and their fans after his selection. “It puts a smile on my face.”
The focus will turn to the basketball court imminently, since the Rockets are gearing up for the start of 2022 NBA summer league play on July 7. Going into that process, here’s what each of the new prospects — along with general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas — had to say at the starting point of their NBA journeys.
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Houston bolsters defense, selects LSU forward Tari Eason at No. 17
the guys are here.
THE GUYS ARE HERE. pic.twitter.com/hhiUkSysWe
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 24, 2022
Friday’s interviews with the newest Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and TyTy Washington join Rafael Stone and Stephen Silas for their opening press conference. pic.twitter.com/3pFOkQQV25
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) June 24, 2022
Rafael Stone says he can't compare Jabari Smith to a current NBA player, very unique skillset
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 24, 2022
Rafael Stone on Tari Eason: "His motor is exceptional."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 24, 2022
Jabari Smith had a huge smile when told of the roar by #Rockets fans at the draft party when Chet was announced at 2
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 24, 2022
https://twitter.com/Rockets_Insider/status/1540449014444965889
Jabari Smith said he doesn't care if he's picked 3rd or #52. "Of course I'll use it as a chip on my shoulder."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 24, 2022
Stephen Silas: "We're gonna be long, athletic, versatile on both ends of the floor. Last night I was already on my laptop thinking of things we could do defensively." #Rockets
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) June 24, 2022
Stephen Silas has been saying he wants to improve the defense "so Rafael (Stone) decided to draft three really good defensive players, but they're also two-way players."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 24, 2022
When Jabari was asked who he models his game after, he said he doesn’t want to single out any players but mentioned that Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum and Bam Adebayo are among the players he watches
— Adam Abramson (@Adam_Abramson1) June 24, 2022
Tari Eason: “ From high school even before then I wasn’t heavily recruited. I always carried that chip on my shoulder” The Rockets are full of players who have something to prove.
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) June 24, 2022
"One thing I bring to the table no matter where I'm at is my winning spirit" – @tytywashington3 #Rockets pic.twitter.com/fAGMaRexvu
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) June 24, 2022
TyTy Washington on Tari Eason: "No one can stop Tari from getting to the rim…He's just a hooper and wants to go out there and win."
On Jabari Smith: "Everybody knows who Jabari he is…He's gonna talk trash and play hard on both sides of the ball."
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) June 24, 2022
Jabari said when he played with TyTy Washington in camps before college, he noticed that winning was his priority. "He was always about winning. That kind of stuck with me. That's why we gelled so quickly."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 24, 2022
TyTy Washington left his Grizzlies hat in his hotel room in NYC. He said whoever goes in there next can become a big Memphis fan 😂
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) June 24, 2022
.@jabarismithjr on when he heard Rockets fans were thrilled he’s here: “It means a lot. It makes me feel like I’m wanted..They give me that love. I’m going to give them the same love back..Put a smile on my face.” pic.twitter.com/eThdVAqLEN
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 24, 2022
.@jabarismithjr says he was alays raised with a mentality of doing whatever it takes to win. "As you start playing against pros, everybody can score. You've got to do things to separate yourself and do things that impact winning."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 24, 2022
Tyty Washington Jr gives the scouting report on Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. pic.twitter.com/XoNfdqBCM5
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) June 24, 2022
Jabari Smith is excited by the #Rockets youth:
"It's good to have brothers you can grow with."
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 24, 2022