Jabari Smith Jr. Biography

JABARI SMITH. JR

Early Life And Career

Born May 13, 2003, in Fayetteville, Georgia. Trained from about age 5 by his father, former NBA player Jabari Smith Sr. .
Attended Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, GA. As a senior, he averaged around 24 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks per game, earning titles such as Mr. Georgia Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, and selection to Nike Hoop Summit and Jordan Brand Classic.

College Career – Auburn Tigers (2021–22)

Rated a 5-star recruit and committed to Auburn University, where he helped the team achieve its first ever No. 1 AP poll ranking and win an SEC regular-season title.
As a freshman, he averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting 42 % from deep. He earned consensus Second Team All-American honors and was named NABC Freshman of the Year and USBWA Freshman of the Year, among other SEC awards.

Selected 3rd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.
Named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2023.
Became the youngest player in NBA history to record 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in three straight games during his rookie season.

Over three seasons (212 games), Smith has averaged 13.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, shooting 43.2 % from the field and 34.0 % on 3‑pointers.
In 2024‑25, he played in 57 games (39 starts), averaging 12.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, and shooting 43.8 % overall and 35.4 % from deep.

Standing about 6’10” (210–211 cm) with a 7’1″ wingspan, he plays primarily as a versatile power forward and occasional small-ball center. He’s known for his mobility, perimeter defense, and reliable outside shooting, drawing comparisons to players like Chris Bosh, Kevin Durant, and Rashard Lewis.
Early scouting reports noted ball-handling as an area for improvement; he’s been working on expanding his offensive game.

On June 30, 2025, Smith signed a five-year, $122 million fully guaranteed contract extension, locking him in with the Rockets through the 2030–31 season. This extension underscores Houston’s commitment to him as a core piece alongside Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Fred VanVleet.
Smith has expressed his desire to remain a Rocket for the long term and build the franchise’s future in Houston.

Attribute	Details
Born	May 13, 2003 (age 22)
Height / Weight	~6’10” / 220 lb (2.08 m / 100 kg)
Position	Power forward / small-ball center
College	Auburn Tigers (2021–22)
NBA Team	Houston Rockets (2022–present)
Draft Pick	2022, Round 1, Pick 3
Career Averages	~13.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 34 % 3PT (3 seasons)

Historic three consecutive 20+ point, 10+ rebound games as a rookie.

Consensus Second Team All-American & NABC Freshman of the Year (2022)

NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2023)

Family And Upbringing

Parents: Born May 13, 2003 in Fayetteville, Georgia, to Jabari Smith Sr. and Taneskia Purnell.
Father’s Legacy: Smith Sr., a 2000 NBA draftee, played for the Kings, 76ers, and Nets before an overseas career in Spain, Turkey, Iran, and Puerto Rico. He trained and mentored his son from age 5—running drills, shooting mechanics, and building a work ethic grounded in discipline and fundamentals.
Mother’s Role: Taneskia Purnell provided emotional support, life guidance, and helped instill values of focus and integrity. Together with his father, she prioritized raising him and his brother even after their 2013 separation, maintaining stability and cooperation for the kids.
Sibling & Extended Family: He grew up with an older brother, A.J., who trained alongside him. He’s also a distant cousin of Kwame Brown, the 2001 NBA No. 1 overall pick.

From age 5, Smith Jr. engaged in daily drills and hill sprints in Fayetteville—programmed by his father to create consistency, resilience, and technique mastery over pure athleticism.
At Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, he commandingly led the team—averaging roughly 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2–3 blocks/stats per game as a junior and senior. He earned titles like Mr. Georgia Basketball, Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit honors.

Commitment to Auburn: Chose Auburn in 2020 due to its “family atmosphere”, fit under Coach Bruce Pearl, and to stay close to home while experiencing college life fully .
Work Ethic: Known for early morning workouts and thousands of shots taken before practice, forming his reputation as a tireless shooter and intense worker in “The Breakfast Club” environment at Auburn.
Life Lessons from Dad: In interviews, Jabari emphasized his father’s advice: “Play to win” and “always have fun” with the game—not for fame or glamor but real competition.
Faith & Values: Jabari is openly Christian, frequently sharing Bible verses and affirming that his faith grounds him beyond the court.

Since joining the NBA, he’s actively organized community outreach in Houston and his Auburn-area roots. Hosted camps, holiday gift events, and visits for underprivileged youth—reflecting a desire to stay humble and connected.

Aspect	Details
Born	May 13, 2003 in Fayetteville, Georgia
Parents	Jabari Smith Sr. (former pro player), Taneskia Purnell (supportive mom)
Brother	A.J. (trained together growing up)
Notable Relative	Cousin Kwame Brown (former NBA No. 1 pick)
Early Training	Drills and workouts from age 5, led by father
High School Honors	Mr. Georgia Basketball; Georgia Gatorade POY; national all-star selections
College Choice	Auburn University—felt like family, chance to mature on and off court
Core Values	Discipline, fun, humility, giving back, faith