Rockets Forward Shows Signs of a Breakout Season

Jabari Smith Jr‘s Rockets career may finally be turning into what fans hoped it would be. In Houston’s thrilling 130–128 preseason win over the New Orleans Pelicans, Smith looked like a player ready to silence the doubts. With 26 points, sharp decision-making, and a renewed edge, he delivered one of his most complete performances yet; the kind that hints at a true breakout season in 2025–26.

The performance was about one hot shooting night and control. Smith played with patience, picking his spots, attacking mismatches, and knocking down shots in rhythm. His footwork looked cleaner, his confidence more deliberate, and his defensive awareness sharper.

After two inconsistent seasons filled with flashes but little stability, Smith opened the year looking like a player who finally understands how to impose his will without forcing it.

Rockets Forward Shows Signs of a Breakout Season

Smith’s transformation isn’t happening in a vacuum. The arrival of Kevin Durant has had an immediate impact on the Rockets’ young core, and Smith appears to be the biggest beneficiary. Playing alongside a scorer of Durant’s magnitude allows him to operate in space, facing fewer double teams and getting cleaner looks off movement.

With Alperen Sengun facilitating (7 assists) and Amen Thompson attacking downhill, Smith no longer has to create offense in isolation. Instead, he’s becoming the finisher Houston envisioned when they drafted him third overall in 2022.

From Question Marks to Cornerstone Potential

What stood out most against New Orleans wasn’t just production but composure. Smith didn’t fade under pressure or rely on streaky shooting. He played within the flow of a team that looked balanced, connected, and self-assured. Alongside Tari Eason (20 points) and Aaron Holiday’s game-winning bucket, Smith embodied the depth and poise that Houston has been building toward.

It’s easy to forget how young Smith Jr. still is. At just 21, he already carries himself like a seasoned pro, showing better defensive instincts and discipline in Udoka’s switch-heavy schemes. His communication on the floor, pointing out rotations and anchoring weak-side help, reflects a growing understanding of the game’s details. Those are the qualities that turn promise into permanence.

Of course, one game doesn’t define a season. There will be slumps and growing pains. But for the first time in his career, Smith’s development feels sustainable. His confidence is no longer fragile, and his game no longer depends on streaks. He’s becoming the kind of player Houston can rely on for scoring and stability.

A Foundation for the Future

For a franchise still shaping its identity, this version of Jabari Smith Jr. is exactly what the Rockets have been waiting for. He’s no longer the prospect chasing flashes of greatness; he’s part of a young core that expects to win. Surrounded by mentors like Durant and empowered by a coach who believes in accountability, Smith’s breakout might be arriving right on time.

If his recent performance is any indication, Houston’s rebuild is over. What comes next looks a lot like the future the franchise promised: disciplined, talented, and fearless. And at the center of it all is a 21-year-old forward who’s finally figuring out how to own the moment.