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The Houston Rockets enter a critical juncture as forward Jabari Smith Jr. outlines the team’s ongoing maturation following postseason appearances and the integration of star Kevin Durant. According to Smith Jr., the roster is building essential familiarity heading into the upcoming NBA season, bolstered by the anticipated return of veteran guard Fred VanVleet.
Integration of Kevin Durant Transforms Rockets Roster
More than a year after completing a trade with the Phoenix Suns to acquire Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets continue to experience a shift in franchise trajectory. According to Jabari Smith Jr., playing alongside Durant demands a high standard of daily preparation that has permanently altered the locker room’s approach.
“It will be full speed from the start,” Smith Jr. stated regarding Durant’s practice habits. “Every repetition is a game repetition… you are forced to do it. I learned that from him: make every rep fast like a game, repeat to make the game easier. Everything you hear is real, his work ethic is real, how hard he works is real.”
Smith Jr. highlighted that while the roster is still refining its chemistry with Durant, the overarching transition period has accelerated the development of younger core pieces on the team.
Fred VanVleet Return Expected to Stabilize Backcourt
The upcoming campaign marks a major personnel shift for Houston with the expected return of Fred VanVleet. VanVleet missed the entirety of the previous campaign after suffering a severe knee injury in September 2025.
According to Smith Jr., getting the veteran floor general back on the floor will unlock new consistency for the offense. “And getting Fred back will be huge for us,” Smith Jr. said. “And I think you’ll see everybody bigger, obviously better, more mature. You will definitely see a better team next year.”
VanVleet’s presence provides steady leadership alongside Durant, bridging the gap between Houston’s veteran core and its emerging young talent.
Jabari Smith Jr. Secures Role as Foundation Piece
Smith Jr. anchors much of Houston’s frontcourt optimism following a productive campaign where he averaged 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 77 regular-season appearances. As one of the primary pillars of the franchise’s project, Smith Jr. points to the team’s recent playoff experience as the catalyst for broader collective growth.
“I think you’ll see a team a little more used to playing together,” Smith Jr. noted. With Durant established in the system and VanVleet returning to the rotation, the Rockets aim to climb higher in the competitive Western Conference standings.
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