Jabari Smith Jr. on Kevin Durant, Rockets’ Rise & Becoming a Dad | Chiney Today

Jabari Smith Jr. joins Chiney Ogwumike to talk about the Houston Rockets’ next step, what he’s learned from Kevin Durant, and why there’s still another level to his game. He also opens up about Fred VanVleet, Ime Udoka, Houston’s physical identity and becoming a dad.
Then, Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson joins Chiney to break down Jabari’s growth, KD’s impact on the franchise, Alperen Sengun’s development and Amen Thompson’s upside.
IN THIS EPISODE:
🚀 Rockets’ next step: Why Houston can be even better.
🧠 Learning from KD: What Jabari has picked up from Kevin Durant.
📈 Jabari’s next jump: Why ball handling is a major focus.
🔥 Playing for Ime: What Jabari likes about Udoka’s coaching style.
💪 Rockets identity: Defense, toughness and physicality.
👀 Another level: Why Jabari believes his best is still ahead.
👨‍👧 Becoming a dad: How fatherhood has changed Jabari.
🎙️ Vanessa Richardson joins: Inside Jabari’s growth and Houston’s young core.
⭐ The KD effect: How Durant changed the Rockets.
🇹🇷 Alperen Sengun: What’s next for Houston’s All-Star.
⚡ Amen Thompson: Why his upside is so high.

-0:00 Jabari Smith Jr. joins the show!
-0:52 What’s it like playing next to Kevin Durant?
-2:06 Jabari’s offseason of growth & Fred VanVleet is back!
-3:53 What its like playing for Ime Udoka & the Rockets’ identity
-6:52 Texas Upswing: Spurs, Mavs, and Rockets all have bright young cores
-8:21 Jabari Smith Jr. describes his game as _______
-9:08 Giving back to ABCD Camp and the next generation of hoopers
-9:41 Something you may have NOT known about Jabari
-11:34 Rockets reporter Vanessa Richardson joins the show!
-12:42 What makes Jabari so admirable as a player?
-15:15 Kevin Durant’s imprint on the young Rockets
-17:59 What’s next for 2x All-Star Alperen Sengun?
-20:45 Amen Thompson might be poised for another jump…
-23:09 Rapid Fire: Underrated Rocket, X-Factor, how many games HOU wins & more
-24:58 WNBA’s Houston Comets should build around…
-26:45 Goodbye

✔️ .espn.com/

#ESPN