On December 27, 2023, during a game at the Toyota Center in Houston, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant matched up against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., signaling an upcoming transformation for the Rockets. Kevin Durant’s $54 million impact is sparking a fresh intensity within the Rockets locker room. This offseason, the Rockets executed a significant trade, acquiring Durant in exchange for multiple assets, reshaping the team’s identity and ambitions after years of rebuilding.
The Rockets have long been seen as a franchise under construction, but now they appear to be assembling a competitive core around their new superstar. Jabari Smith Jr., once a distant admirer of Durant, now shares the court with the 15-time All-Star and two-time Finals MVP. This dynamic is shaking up the locker room culture and raising expectations for the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA seasons.
Jabari Smith’s Revelation About Growing From an Idol to a Teammate
Jabari Smith Jr. opened up about his relationship with Kevin Durant, sharing candid reflections on how Durant shaped his early basketball years and how that has evolved since joining the Rockets. Smith reminisced,
“I mean, he honestly was my favorite player… until he went to Golden State. Obviously, that kind of threw everybody off, you know what I’m saying?”
—Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets forward
He continued,
“But that was my favorite player growing up. I wanted to be him. I wanted to emulate him…”
—Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets forward
Smith no longer has to emulate Durant from afar. The transition from idolizing Durant to learning directly from him presents a unique opportunity for personal growth. The Rockets’ acquisition of Durant involved a hefty price—Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, future draft picks, and multiple second-round selections were sent to Phoenix to secure the veteran presence. Despite the financial weight of Durant’s salary, Smith stressed that inspiration and mindset are the real impacts on the team.
Durant’s Intense Approach Forces a Higher Standard in Houston
Jabari Smith shed light on Durant’s relentless professionalism, noting that every move Durant makes carries precision and purpose. Smith described Durant’s style:
“It’s not a lot of misses, not a lot of wasted movements. Everything is game speed. The attention to detail he has is kind of crazy…”
—Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets forward
The message is clear—Durant’s presence demands maximum focus. Smith explained the challenge of defending Durant firsthand:
“There’s nothing you can honestly do… You try to slow him down, but he’s going to get to whatever shots he wants.”
—Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets forward
This level of commitment sets a new tone for the Rockets locker room, where any lapse in effort or focus is immediately exposed. Durant is not just a scorer but a leader whose work ethic forces teammates like Smith to elevate their game.
The Hidden Work Behind Jabari Smith’s Development
While spotlight often shines on Durant, Jabari Smith has been quietly embracing an intense training regimen, hitting the gym six to seven days a week for six consecutive weeks. Under the guidance of his personal trainer Aaron Miller, Smith has been focusing on refining key elements of his game. Miller emphasized this process:
“My approach focuses on conceptual skill development that translates directly to the game,”
—Aaron Miller, personal trainer
“We’re not just running cones out here.”
—Aaron Miller, personal trainer
Smith’s midrange shooting is undergoing a complete overhaul, his ball handling is tightening, and his shot selection is being strategically fine-tuned. The goal is not to replicate Durant but to build a complementary skill set that will boost the Rockets’ overall competitiveness.
Preparing for Playoff Pressure: The Rockets’ Strategic Approach to Player Growth
The Rockets are not relying solely on Durant and Smith’s individual talents but designing team drills and scenarios that challenge Smith to think quickly and adapt under pressure. Miller has been simulating high-stakes game situations, preparing Smith to thrive in playoff intensity rather than merely survive it.
This is critical because winning an NBA championship requires more than a superstar’s scoring ability. Smart, versatile role players like Smith must step up alongside Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Alperen Sengun to push Houston beyond past rebuilding years.
The Silent Leadership and Cultural Shift Brought by Durant
Kevin Durant’s leadership largely manifests through example rather than words. Smith described this silent influence:
“It kind of makes you work out with him and do the same. You’re going to be more dialed in.”
—Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets forward
The presence of Durant in practice sessions demands full engagement from the team. Underperforming around Durant is impossible without standing out negatively, and that accountability is accelerating the team’s cultural evolution.
This shift comes after years of uncertainty for the franchise, including the departure of James Harden and a period defined by trades and draft picks rather than contention. Now, with veterans bringing experience and star power, the Rockets project a confident new identity poised to challenge for titles.
A Bold New Era for the Rockets, With Championships In Sight
Fred VanVleet offers veteran savvy, while Alperen Sengun provides rare big-man skills, but Kevin Durant is the cornerstone shaping the offensive system and locker room attitude. Jabari Smith and other young players face the challenge of rising to the moment, matching Durant’s intensity, and evolving their games to complement his dominance.
By openly acknowledging Durant’s impact, Smith has inadvertently issued a challenge within the Rockets ranks: this team intends not just to compete but to contend seriously for championships. The combination of Durant’s work ethic and Smith’s rapid development signals a significant shift from previous years.
This season marks the beginning of a promising chapter where the Houston Rockets aim to turn bold acquisitions into tangible success, reestablishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.