The Houston Rockets embark on a highly anticipated season, buoyed by a remarkable 52-win campaign and their first playoff berth since 2020. With strategic offseason moves, including the blockbuster trade for 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, the Rockets now harbor legitimate championship aspirations, aiming to reclaim glory not seen since 1995.
At the heart of this renewed ambition is Jabari Smith Jr., a pivotal figure in the Rockets’ rotation since his league debut. Smith has been instrumental in the team’s upward trajectory, consistently contributing to their success. Regardless of his potential starting role in the upcoming season, his significant court time and continued development are assured.
Aaron Miller, the esteemed owner and operator of Elite Basketball Training, has dedicated a decade to refining athletes’ skills across all levels. Renowned for his tailored, efficiency-maximizing workouts, Miller has cultivated strong relationships with NBA players committed to their craft, including long-term collaborations with both Jabari Smith and his teammate Tari Eason.
Miller’s unique training methodology emphasizes conceptual skill development, ensuring that practice translates directly into game-day performance. This rigorous approach underscores the dedication Jabari Smith Jr. has demonstrated, particularly throughout his offseason regimen—a level of commitment not always matched by every professional player.
Recognizing the critical importance of decision-making in high-stakes playoff environments, Smith has diligently engaged in drills specifically designed to sharpen these instincts. Miller highlighted how their focus on game-specific actions, embedded with clear decision-making elements, has yielded the most significant advancements in Smith’s play.
Key areas of concentration for Jabari Smith during his training included fortifying his base and enhancing fluidity in the mid-post, a statistically proven highly efficient scoring zone for him last season. Concurrently, efforts were made to tighten his ball-handling skills, enabling him to access preferred spots on the court with greater consistency and confidence, particularly from the top of the key where he frequently operates.
While the acquisition of Kevin Durant, a truly unique 6-foot-11 forward with unparalleled shooting prowess, was the offseason’s most impactful move, Miller clarified that their training with Jabari Smith is not about molding him into a “Durant clone.” Despite their similar physical builds, both players possess distinct styles and roles within the team.
Nevertheless, the daily proximity to a future Hall of Famer like Kevin Durant offers an invaluable developmental opportunity for Smith. Learning from Durant’s profound understanding of spacing, pacing, and elite shot-making will undoubtedly elevate Jabari Smith’s game, fostering organic growth rather than imitative development.
Although much of the offseason discourse has centered on the Durant trade and other team acquisitions, Jabari Smith Jr.’s continuous evolution and contributions will undeniably play a substantial role in determining the Houston Rockets’ ultimate success and their quest for a championship in the upcoming season.
