Latest Jabari Smith update is exactly what Rockets fans wanted to hear

Houston Rockets writer Justin Levine recently reported that Jabari Smith has been spending a lot of time around Kevin Durant. "I was told Jabari Smith Jr. has basically just chained himself to KD," Levine said. "He’s asked the staff to tailor his entire schedule to being with KD at all times."

This is the kind of thing that fans love to see for several reasons. It suggests that Durant has taken mentorship seriously, and has committed to helping bring up a younger guy. Seeing this happening also reinforces the idea that KD is on board with aligning himself to Smith with the mindset of helping him grow. 

It's also an indicator that Jabari doesn't simply think he's arrived at this point. He clearly has a desire to learn from one of the greatest players of a generation, and it's that kind of humility that can often separate a good young player from a great one. 

I think the Rockets fanbase is clearly expecting more evolution from Smith in the coming season, especially after he signed a long-term extension. Making a point to work out with and learn from Kevin Durant is certainly a concrete action to support the kind of evolution everyone is hoping to see. 

Smith has been learning from Durant

Being around Durant in workouts, film sessions, and just in daily routines is going to help Jabari mimic his habits and accelerate his own development beyond what simple standalone individual practices would be able to do. The subtle habits in preparation, recovery, mental approach and other things are going to get transferred in moments like these. 

I think this is a great sign for anyone who is still hoping Jabari Smith can become something far greater than what he is right now. Houston's roster is now quite a bit deeper than it was before, and with greater positional overlap, some fans are probably concerned about Jabari's standing on the team or his role. This behavior shows that he's not being complacent, he's putting his best foot forward.

The Rockets are clearly building around both more experienced veterans and their younger talent. A young star like Jabari who is showing he's not just content to ride the coattails of the older guys, but is instead more than willing to learn and grow and contribute however he can, is going to take a lot of pressure off of everyone else. 

If you want a non-sports comparison, this is the guy who stays after hours at the office and tries to pick up on the habits of senior employees knowing that it's going to make him better. Jabari Smith continues to put not just himself but the Houston Rockets in an overall better position.