As the Houston Rockets made the blockbuster move to acquire Kevin Durant this offseason, the departures of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks ensured a larger role for many of the team's younger players this season.
However, the most important leap might come from Jabari Smith Jr. who, after three seasons as a starter for the Rockets, is now poised to contribute even more heavily to the team's offensive scheme.
Last season, Smith averaged 12.2 points, seven rebounds and 1.1 assists. However, while his stats took a dip due to the injury he suffered near the start of the season, he should be expected to take a massive leap in both his output and his offensive role this season.