Jabari Smith Jr. Reportedly Likely to Join Rockets' Starting Lineup After Durant Trade
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. is expected to move into the starting lineup once again following the team’s blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant, team sources said, per The Athletic’s Kelly Iko and Sam Amick.
Amen Thompson, who stepped into the lineup after Smith Jr. broke his hand last season, is expected to remain in the starting five—this time taking over Jalen Green’s spot at shooting guard after the trade. The move gives Houston a more versatile starting unit.
Smith Jr., the Rockets’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, appeared in 57 games last season, averaging 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
The Phoenix Suns' trade of Kevin Durant came on Sunday morning, as the superstar was sent to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in next week’s NBA Draft and a haul of future selections.
The Rockets approached the deal with a “win-now” mindset, according to Iko and Amick, eager to push their promising young core further into the postseason after their first-round exit this year.
"The prospect of adding an experienced, proven postseason performer like Durant — while increasing the roles of Eason, Sheppard and Smith — was suddenly seen as the best win-now option on the Rockets’ board. Even if it meant losing players in Green and Brooks, who had been so crucial to the Rockets’ resurgence."
A source close to Durant told Iko and Amick he is “incredibly excited” about the opportunity to join a potential title contender in Houston, where he’ll be surrounded by a talented coaching staff led by Ime Udoka and supported by a top-five defensive unit, per Iko and Amick.
