Jabari Smith Jr. is now experiencing every young basketball player’s ultimate dream, sharing a locker room with his childhood idol, Kevin Durant. This remarkable full-circle moment sees the Houston Rockets forward not only alongside the player he once revered but also set to forge a dynamic partnership on the court.
On a recent episode of “The Old Man and The Three” podcast, Smith openly discussed the profound influence Durant had on his development as a player. He vividly recalled wanting to emulate every aspect of Durant’s game, viewing him as the quintessential blueprint for any aspiring tall shooter.
Smith described the surreal feeling of transitioning from watching Durant’s highlights to actually training with him, calling the entire experience “crazy.” This deep-seated admiration has now culminated in a direct collaboration, as the two are officially Houston Rockets teammates.
At 21, and entering his third NBA season, Smith is poised to join forces with Durant following the Rockets’ significant summer trade. Remarkably, Houston executed one of the offseason’s biggest moves by acquiring the superstar without sacrificing any of their essential young core players.
Durant’s arrival significantly strengthens a talented Houston Rockets squad that already includes key players like Smith. Despite being 36, Durant remains a top-tier talent, averaging impressive statistics last season with the Suns, including 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while maintaining elite shooting percentages.
His continued prowess as one of the league’s most lethal offensive weapons presents an invaluable learning opportunity for a developing player like Smith. The Rockets, coming off a strong 52–30 season and a hard-fought playoff series, now look to Durant as the potential missing piece to elevate them from a promising young team to a legitimate NBA title contender.
Smith himself has reaffirmed his commitment to the team’s future, recently signing a substantial five-year, $122 million contract extension. His consistent growth over the past two seasons, particularly as an impactful two-way forward, has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the Houston Rockets’ ambitious rebuild.
This unparalleled opportunity to play alongside his long-time idol is expected to further propel Smith’s game. From meticulously studying Durant’s jumper on YouTube to now running plays with him in actual NBA contests, it’s a truly extraordinary and inspiring journey for the young Houston Rockets star.
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