Video: Jayson Tatum Gives Jabari Smith Jr. Advice About Coping with NBA Struggles | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Jabari Smith Jr. wasn't about to let an opportunity to seek out advice from Jayson Tatum pass him by, even if it did require asking questions at a press conference.

"What would you say to someone going into their third year who hasn't lived up to their expectation?" the Houston Rockets forward asked during NBA Finals media day on Wednesday.

Tatum responded by asking the 21-year-old's age and saying, "I've been in that situation. Everyone else your age … is still in school trying to figure out what they want to do in life."

ClutchPoints @ClutchPoints

Jabari Smith Jr.: "What would you say to someone going into their 3rd year who hasn't lived up to their expectation?"<br><br>Jayson Tatum: "I've been in that situation. Everyone else your age is still in school trying to figure out what they want to do in life." 🗣️<br><br>(via <a href="">@danield1214</a>) <a href="">

Smith was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft and has started his career in solid but unspectacular fashion.

He averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 43 percent from the field and 33.5 percent from deep during his first two seasons. He also was a member of the 2022-23 All-Rookie Second Team.

However, the Rockets went 22-60 during his rookie season and 41-41 in his second season, missing the playoffs both times. He is largely expected to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come for the organization but hasn't quite established the consistent dominance that would come with those expectations.

But it is a credit to Smith that he is seeking out advice from his NBA peers, especially since Tatum is the perfect person to provide some for this situation.

Like Smith, he was the No. 3 overall pick of the draft (2017) when he was 19 years old. Elevated expectations were immediately placed on his shoulders, and it took him some time to reach the level of play that he is known for at this stage of his career.

Tatum's first two seasons were the only ones in his seven-year career when he was not named an All-Star. While he showed flashes of his potential and was an important contributor for Boston teams that made the playoffs, he wasn't the MVP candidate and All-NBA First-Team selection that he is today.

While Smith may never reach the elite level of Tatum, it is an example of a high draft pick taking multiple years to reach his full potential that the Rockets forward can follow.

And maybe one day he will be the one answering questions at media day for the NBA Finals.