Rockets Forward Recalls Welcome to the NBA Moments With Giannis Antetokounmpo

Rockets Forward Recalls Welcome to the NBA Moments With Giannis Antetokounmpo originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. recalled the moment when he had the "welcome to the NBA" moment against Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In his three years in the NBA, Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets has encountered countless star players. But none could compare to his first interaction with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in his rookie year in the 2022-23 season. During the latest episode of "The Young Man and The Three" podcast, Smith told the story of facing Antetokounmpo for the first time.

During Smith's first year in the league, Antetokounmpo has already established himself as one of the best stars. He had multiple All-Star selections under his belt, two regular-season MVPs, a championship and a Finals MVP.

Jabari Smith Jr. Was Welcomed to the League by Giannis Antetokounmpo

According to Smith, the team formed a game plan ahead of his first game against the Greek Freak. The young forward said the Rockets were planning on forming a wall to prevent the star forward from attacking the rim, which is where he's excelled at.

However, they couldn't execute the defensive plan during the game. The former No. 3 pick revealed that there was nothing he could do as the big man was nearly unstoppable with the ball.

“Like, he coming full speed. Euro step. Dunk,” Smith said. “Like, it was just nothing I could do. Like, you know what I’m saying? Like, he was posting up. I’m trying to front. It was just nothing I could do, honestly. So, it was just — that was a very, very ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment.”

His defensive problems against Antetokounmpo have continued in his second and third years. Smith told the podcast that he's consistent with how aggressive he plays on the court.

“He plays hard as (expletive),” Jabari explained. “Like, anytime I’ve played him, he plays the same. Like, he’s crashing the glass. Like, you don’t see that from, like, top five players in the league. And, like, just the — the energy you’re exerting — like, he playing hard, like, as hell.”

In Smith's short time in the NBA, he's faced the star forward six times. Fortunately for the Rockets' big man, his team has had a 3-3 record against Antetokounmpo. However, the nine-time All-Star has dominated in their matchup, averaging 30.2 points, 14.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

Smith can still get the best of Antetokounmpo as he's still young. Many believe he hasn't hit his prime yet and could emerge as one of the best players for the Houston franchise soon.

Related: Knicks Receive Massive Giannis Antetokounmpo Update After Mikal Bridges Decision

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.