Rockets' Kevin Durant has a chance to make up for a historic wrong

The Houston Rockets acquired a former rival in Kevin Durant. Perhaps that's an understatement. Some new comments from Jabari Smith Jr. make it clear that Durant was closer to an enemy.

If you weren't there, you won't understand. Durant was already a problem as a member of the Thunder. He made life difficult enough for the Rockets. When he joined the Warriors, there was widespread outrage.

In fairness, this was an MVP candidate joining the best team in the league. Durant didn't form the first super team, but he did form the super-y-ist one. When he joined the Warriors, it took the super team trend to a new height.

It seems Smith Jr. didn't appreciate it.

Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. says what we're all thinking

Smith Jr. was recently on The Young Man and The Three podcast to talk about the upcoming season. He made some revealing comments about Durant.

"Honestly he was my favorite player. Until he went to Golden State"

- Jabari Smith Jr.

Honestly? Smith Jr. isn't alone in that sentiment. A lot of people felt that way. If you were a fan of any other team (particularly in the Western Conference), it was difficult not to resent Durant's decision.

Should it be water under the bridge?

Rockets can't hold Durant's decision against him

Of course!

Kevin Durant made the best decision for Kevin Durant. Full disclosure: I hated it. I could not believe my eyes when I got the notification. It haunts my dreams to this day. Unless you're a Warriors fan, you hated it too:

But that's not the point.

This was the superteam era. Durant is a student of the game. He knew that if he retired without a ring, that's what people would remember. He'd joined the annals of Charles Barkley, Dominique Wilkins, and others:

"He was great. It's a shame he never won a title".

So, Durant got his titles. It shouldn't be seriously held against him:

Unless holding it against him could provide extra motivation in 2025-26.

So, disregard the bulk of this article. Durant, if you're reading this: How could you? By joining the Warriors, you compromised your legacy forever. It was an egregious act of violence. There's only one way to make up for it:

You've got to lead the Rockets to a title in 2025-26.

I don't make the rules. Of every NBA team, you hurt the Rockets the most by joining the Warriors. They were the next-best team in the conference, and at times, the league. You have to bring a title to Space City to make up for what you've done:

You're not the enemy anymore.