After Kevin Durant trade, Jabari Smith Jr. likely to rejoin Houston’s starting lineup
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With the Rockets sending out two starters (Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks) to Phoenix in the trade bringing in All-Star forward Kevin Durant, Houston suddenly has two open spots in its starting lineup.
One, of course, will be filled by the future Hall of Famer. The other could go to Jabari Smith Jr., per Kelly Iko of The Athletic.
In a story published Sunday, Iko and Sam Amick wrote:
Team sources said there are early indications Smith will likely return to the starting lineup, with Thompson — who originally replaced Smith last season after Smith broke his hand — slotting into Green’s vacated starting spot. The Rockets now possess ample length at four starting positions, amplifying the defensive tools head coach Ime Udoka now has at his disposal.
As things stand, that would make Houston’s probable 2025-26 starting lineup comprised of Fred VanVleet, Thompson, Durant, Smith, and Alperen Sengun. Top reserves include Tari Eason and Steven Adams, with young prospects Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore potentially knocking at the door for more minutes, as well.
Smith, an Auburn product, will be eligible on July 1 for a contract extension with the Rockets. Drafted at No. 3 overall in the 2022 first round, the 6-foot-11 forward averaged 12.2 points (35.4% on 3-pointers) and 7.0 rebounds during his third NBA season, but he lost his starting role midway through 2024-25 after suffering a broken hand. During that six-week absence, Thompson flourished and never went back to the bench.
But now, with Green and Brooks on the way out of Houston’s lineup, it’s Smith who (along with Durant) is seemingly on the way back in. In addition to net shooting and scoring benefits, Smith and Durant’s length could also boost the defense of a Houston squad that is already elite on that end.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Report: Jabari Smith Jr. likely to rejoin Houston’s starting lineup
