Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. Shares Skills and Talent Similar to Kevin Durant Beyond Height

Jabari Smith Jr. is a key player for the Houston Rockets, and he finds inspiration in Kevin Durant. The Rockets recently acquired Durant, creating an ideal scenario for Smith to enhance his skills under the guidance of an NBA legend.

Learning from the Best: Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant

In a recent article by Chris Mannix for Sports Illustrated, the dynamic between Smith and Durant is explored. After the trade, Smith took the initiative to work with Durant in Houston, focusing on improving his one-on-one game.

Workout Sessions and Skill Development

Smith admires Durant’s precision and attention to detail during training. He noted, “He’s a perfectionist. That really rubs off on you.” This mentorship is particularly beneficial for Smith, who aims to become a premier isolation scorer like Durant.

Similar Physical Attributes

• Both players range from 6 feet 10 inches to nearly 7 feet tall.
• Durant is celebrated for his exceptional scoring ability, which Smith aspires to emulate.

Smith’s Emerging Career Stats

While Smith was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Durant was a second overall pick. Smith has made an impressive start to his career, maintaining double-digit scoring in each of his first three seasons.

If Smith can leverage Durant’s expertise to improve his performance, the acquisition of Durant will contribute significantly to the Rockets’ future success.