Amid the Houston Rockets’ 48-point first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend, the return of Jabari Smith Jr. — and more importantly, Ime Udoka’s utilization of the third-year big — was a reminder of his value.

The return of Jabari Smith Jr. was a welcome sight, but his role may change with this team depending on his production.

It doesn’t matter about when you start,” Jabari Smith Jr. tells Rockets Wire of his mindset. “It matters what you do when you get in the game.”