Jabari Smith Jr. is signed through 2029-30 with Houston, and the Rockets praise his rare self-critique and nonstop growth. Rafael Stone calls him driven, self-accounting, and coachable, a core piece for Houston's long-term window under Udoka. Smith's floor-spacing and defense help the team climb in the West, while Durant’s veteran presence and a chat with Jayson Tatum outline a path from projection to production.