Jeff Van Gundy had an honest conversation with Russell Westbrook about his "next chapter"
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE
20 November 2020
SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE
With all the drama surrounding the Houston Rockets, you don't want to miss this video as we discuss Jeff Van Gundy's comments about his conversation with Russell Westbrook during Van Gundy's interview for Houston's head coach position.
Power forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension with Houston, according to a report from ESPN.
JABARI SMITH JR. GOT PAID 💰
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/g28YXK1i8t
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 30, 2025
The deal is reportedly fully guaranteed and would keep Smith in a Rockets uniform through the 2030–31 season.
Smith, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 12.2 points and seven rebounds last season, starting 39 of the 57 games he played. While injuries and inconsistency limited his minutes at times, the 21-year-old showed flashes of the two-way potential that made him a top lottery pick, and someone the Rockets clearly see as part of their long-term foundation.
The move signals continued trust in the franchise’s young core and a commitment to internal development as Houston builds toward sustained playoff contention.
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