Located in Tyrone, Georgia, just outside Atlanta, Jabari Smith Jr. was once a star athlete at Sandy Creek High School. During his time there, Smith was named a McDonald’s All-American and Mr. Georgia Basketball.
So, with the Houston Rockets in town to face the Hawks for a preseason game on Thursday night, Wednesday was an opportune time for Smith to be recognized at his old school.
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As part of that recognition, Smith had his jersey retired to the gym rafters, and he had family and friends on hand for an emotional day.
He also had support from the entire 2025-26 roster of the Rockets, including All-Star forward and future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant.
In a video shared from the Rockets, Smith said of his big day:
It means a lot. Everybody being here and recognizing me, and knowing who I am… it’s just a good feeling. You feel the love.
I’m not the type of person that likes the limelight or a lot of attention, but I felt a lot of love today. And I needed it.
Through three of four preseason games, Smith is Houston’s leading scorer.
Drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2022 first round, Smith is entering his fourth NBA season with the Rockets — and the 22-year-old appears primed for a breakthrough.
The on-court presence of Durant, and the attention he draws from opposing defenses, has helped create better scoring opportunities for teammates such as Smith.
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But Durant’s presence and leadership could also be valuable off the court, and the camaraderie shown at events like Smith’s high-school jersey retirement can only help.
Additional photos and videos are available below.
More: With 26 efficient points, Jabari Smith Jr. flourishes as Rockets stay perfect in preseason
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets support Jabari Smith Jr. at high-school jersey retirement