Jabari Smith Jr. grew up admiring Kevin Durant, studying his moves and trying to mirror his style on the basketball court. However, his admiration faced a challenge in 2016 when Durant made the controversial decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder and join the Golden State Warriors, the team that had just defeated OKC in the playoffs. This unexpected move left Smith and many fans surprised and confused, complicating their previously straightforward admiration for Durant.
Reflecting on that period now as Durant’s teammate in Houston, Smith recounts the shift with a mix of humor and perspective, appreciating how views on basketball loyalties can evolve over time.
Understanding the Impact of Durant’s 2016 Move on Smith
For Smith, Durant was once the basketball player he most wanted to emulate. The shock of Durant joining the Warriors—a team that had crushed Durant’s former squad—felt personal to young fans like Smith. On The Young Man and The Three podcast, Smith recalled,
“Honestly, he was my favorite player. Until he went to Golden State,”
and continued,
“That kind of threw everybody off. But that was my favorite player growing up. I wanted to be him. I wanted to emulate him, do what he does on the court, and that’s just kind of what it was. I think everybody who was tall and could shoot kind of wanted to be KD. That’s just kind of what it was growing up… Like I used to look up to him a lot.”
This moment of confusion was emblematic of a larger reaction within the NBA community; many struggled to reconcile Durant’s move with their expectations, though few could deny his influence on their own understanding of the game. While the decision was widely criticized, it did little to diminish the impact Durant had on younger players’ development.
How Kevin Durant’s Arrival in Houston Shapes Jabari Smith’s Growth
The narrative between the two players took a remarkable turn when Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets, joining a team centered on young talents like Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson. This roster change provided Houston with a seasoned veteran, creating a unique opportunity for Smith to learn from a player he once idolized from afar.
Entering his fourth NBA season, Smith has become a foundational part of Houston’s long-term rebuilding strategy. With steady improvement highlighted by last season’s averages of 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds, he recently secured a five-year extension worth $122 million. Now, with Durant’s arrival, Smith has direct access to a mentor who can elevate his understanding and abilities on the court.
Smith’s shooting and defensive skills complement Durant’s veteran scoring and leadership. With Durant drawing defensive attention, Smith is free to hone his off-ball movement and sharpen his attack on closeouts, solidifying his role as a reliable threat from mid-range and beyond the arc.
Durant’s experience from countless playoff runs gives him a wealth of basketball intelligence to share. From sharpening shot selection to enhancing pick-and-roll decisions and maximizing Smith’s physical advantages on both ends of the floor, Durant’s guidance is valuable for Smith’s ongoing development.
The Significance of Durant’s Mentorship for Smith and Houston’s Future
The evolution of Smith and Durant’s relationship symbolizes a full-circle moment in basketball careers—a young fan, once puzzled by his idol’s choices, now learning firsthand from that very player. This mentorship has the potential to fast-track Smith’s growth into a more complete and confident player.
For Durant, joining Houston offers a chance to shape the next generation, passing down the knowledge that made him one of the NBA’s elite. Meanwhile, Smith benefits from this rare mentorship, gaining insights and skills that could shape his trajectory in the league significantly. Their collaboration reflects hope and excitement for the Rockets’ future as they blend youthful talent with veteran presence.