?I?m Not Finna Trying to Look Like Steph Curry?: Unlike Other Rookies Challenging Lebron James, #3 NBA Draft Pick Opens Up on Being Patient About His Own Process

Jabari Smith Jr. is all set for his NBA journey to commence. The 19-year-old has boundless potential, but his skill set is still quite raw. The rookie, however, is committed to improving and wishes to progress patiently and methodically.

Smith was selected third overall by the Houston Rockets in the NBA draft. The franchise is now packed with promising young blood, all seeking to restore the team’s winning ways. And Jabari Smith Jr.’s development as a versatile big man capable of inflicting mayhem on both ends of the floor will be critical to that.

Jabari Smith Jr. has tremendous footwork and is extremely fluid in the post, in addition to his defense. He can go to either shoulder for fadeaway jumpers and has a good hook shot. Everything in his skill set, though, has a lot of room for improvement due to his young age.

He possesses the swagger, naturally confident, borderline-cocky mindset that many world-class players possess. The rookie, however, will likely need to broaden his arsenal if he aspires to be a mainstay in the league.

Jabari Smith Jr. talked about his critics and how he intends to remain patient with his progress

Jabari Smith Jr. recently took a short break from his demanding schedule to chat with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks. He acknowledged that the critics are already doubting him and that he wants to be patient with his progression as an NBA player.

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Rooks asked him whether it was weird for him that people are already criticizing his game. Smith said, “Yea, it’s funny. It kinda shows you what you wanna show cause at the same time it’s like…when people talk about my ball-handling and stuff like that, I feel like that’s something that’s gonna come as I get older and just get stronger.”

“But, right now it’s not something I’m finna just to show you all. I’m not finna trying to look like Stephen Curry when that’s not what I can do right now. I’m not finna do that. But am I working on it? Yes. When somebody say ‘he needs to work on this’, how can you say I’m not working on it. Kinda thinking about that but at the same time doing stuff in the game I know that’ll help my team win.”?

With that mindset, the young gun’s future seems promising. While critics have already begun to belittle his game, he is determined to improve. Distancing oneself from the external noise so stoically in today’s era is another aspect youngsters take time to master. He’ll need some time to block?the noises, but it’s just a matter of time until the rookie makes a major leap.

While Smith strives to improve, another rookie has already issued a challenge to LeBron James

The majority of rookies enter the league admiring the game’s legends. They aspire to learn from the best and witness their mastery from up close. However, it is uncommon for these newcomers to challenge an established player, much alone LeBron James.

Bennedict Mathurin, the Indiana Pacers‘ rookie, recently stunned everyone by issuing a challenge to the NBA superstar. In an interview with Ben Tolliver of the Washington Post, he said, “A lot of people say he?s great. I want to see how great he is. I don?t think anybody is better than me. He?s going to have to show me he?s better than me.”

The rookie might be brimming with confidence and have complete belief in his craft. However, one does not get away with challenging King James.?It will be interesting to see if James responds to this in any way, either on or off the court.

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It will be intriguing to see how these newcomers fair against the established NBA stars. Which rookie will outshine the others and take home the ROTY? Let us know in the comments section below.