Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. recently joked with teammate Kevin Durant about Durant’s controversial 2016 free agency move from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Golden State Warriors. Their playful exchange took place during a podcast recording, highlighting both the closeness and humor shared by the teammates. This interaction brings attention to the evolving dynamics between players in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA, especially when past decisions still spark conversation today.
Smith Reflects on Durant’s Impact During His Childhood
On The Old Man & the Three podcast, hosted by JJ Redick and Tommy Alter, Smith spoke openly about his admiration for Durant as a kid. Durant was not just any player for Smith; he was a favorite. However, that admiration wavered when Durant joined the Warriors, a move that stirred strong reactions among fans and analysts. Smith described the shift in his feelings toward Durant, offering insight into the complexity of following a favorite player who made a divisive career choice.
“I was a huge fan of his until he left OKC,”
Smith remarked with a smile, expressing a sentiment shared by many basketball fans during that time. —Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets forward
Engaging Podcast Discussion Highlights NBA Rivalries
The conversation between Smith and the podcast hosts was marked by its frankness and humor, creating a relaxed atmosphere that allowed for genuine reflections. Smith skillfully balanced respect for Durant with a teasing critique, illustrating the intricate mix of admiration and rivalry common in professional sports. This moment also underscores the way players can reflect on significant league events with lightheartedness despite underlying emotions.
Growing Team Chemistry Amid Past Controversies
As Smith continues to develop his career alongside Durant on the Rockets, their relationship is likely to deepen beyond playful teasing. This banter captures the complicated nature of NBA relationships, where teammates can simultaneously share respect and acknowledge contentious moments from their past. Smith’s lighthearted comment reveals how players navigate these complexities while building strong partnerships on and off the court.