Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. embraces ‘Locksmith’ nickname
With a clear nod to his strong and versatile defense, Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. appears a fan of the “Locksmith” nickname.
In the team’s new schedule release video, the 19-year-old showed off his acting chops by posing as a locksmith — complete with keys — to help new teammate Josh Christopher open a drawer in a cubicle at Toyota Center. With an athletic 6-foot-10 frame and an ability to guard many positions, defense and shooting are seen as one of Smith’s most NBA-ready skills as he enters his rookie season.
“I’m the locksmith,” Smith declares with a smile.
Shortly after being selected at No. 3 in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft, Smith made it clear on social media that he wasn’t a fan of a proposed “Agent Smith” nickname. Agent Smith is a fictional character and the main antagonist of The Matrix franchise.
Locksmith, however, appears a different story — as illustrated by Smith embracing it personally. He’ll have an opportunity to begin living up to that nickname when the 2022-23 season begins for the Rockets in October.
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