Ime Udoka envisions a dynamic partnership between Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr.
The Houston Rockets are gearing up for a season filled with potential, and head coach Ime Udoka is particularly excited about the combination of Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. Their lengthy frame and versatile skill sets have drawn intriguing comparisons to the iconic duo of Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu from the Orlando Magic era.
A Unique Pairing in Houston
As the Rockets look to establish their identity, the duo of Durant and Smith represents a unique advantage. Standing at 6-foot-11, Durant is renowned for his elite scoring ability and has long been a nightmare for defenders. His impressive guard-like handle and quick release make him one of the smoothest perimeter players in NBA history. Meanwhile, Smith, at 6-foot-10, brings his own strengths to the court. While still developing his game, he has demonstrated a solid perimeter presence, including a respectable 35.4 percent shooting from beyond the arc last season.
Since joining forces, Smith has embraced the opportunity to learn from Durant, viewing the veteran as a mentor. “Jabari’s been a sponge,” Udoka noted. “Soaking up [information], working out together, learning some of the things he does well, regardless of him taking a natural step as well.”
Embracing Size and Versatility
With both players capable of playing in multiple positions, Udoka is optimistic about how they can contribute to the Rockets’ philosophy of size and versatility. Whether they are deployed as the two and three or the three and four, the potential for mismatches is significant. “Somebody’s going to have a clear advantage,” Udoka said. “They both can play inside, can play outside, do a lot of things with the ball.”
Historical Comparisons with Magic Greats
Udoka’s vision for Durant and Smith’s partnership harkens back to his own playing days, where he recalls the success of Lewis and Turkoglu. Both Lewis and Turkoglu stood at 6-foot-10 and were integral to the Orlando Magic’s success during the late 2000s. Their ability to create mismatches and stretch the floor helped propel the Magic to two 59-win seasons and an NBA Finals appearance.
In the 2007-2008 season, the pair averaged a combined 37.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, closely mirroring what Durant and Smith are projected to achieve in the upcoming season with a combined output of approximately 38.8 points per game. Both Lewis and Turkoglu were proficient from three-point range, with Lewis hitting 40.9 percent on 7.2 attempts per game and Turkoglu connecting on 40 percent of his 5.1 attempts.
While it’s uncertain whether Durant and Smith will develop into an equally balanced duo or if one will emerge as the clear leader, the potential for them to craft a dynamic partnership is palpable. Udoka appears ready to implement a blueprint that could harness their unique talents, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead for the Houston Rockets.
