​Photo by Tim Warner/Getty ImagesJabari Smith Jr. has addressed concerns over his partnership with Kevin Durant, insisting the Houston Rockets are ready to take a big step forward.Questions had been raised last season after visible chemistry issues following Durant’s arrival in Houston.Those concerns came after the Rockets finished fifth in the Western Conference before losing in the first round of the playoffs.Photo by Tim Warner/Getty ImagesJabari Smith Jr. backs Rockets improvement alongside Kevin DurantSmith believes those struggles are now behind them.Speaking on ESPN’s Chiney Today, he said: ‘I think you’re gonna see a team that is a little bit more used to playing with each other.‘We added Kevin Durant last year, just gotta adjust to playing with him… I think you’ll just see everybody older, obviously a lot better, more mature. See a lot better team next year for sure.’It is a confident message.Smith made it clear the focus is on growth rather than dwelling on last season’s issues.Meanwhile, there had been off-court noise as well.Reports around All-Star Weekend suggested Durant was linked to a burner account criticising teammates, including Smith and Alperen Sengun.That only added to the scrutiny around the team’s chemistry.However, Smith pointed to Durant’s influence in a positive light.Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty ImagesHe praised the veteran’s approach in training, highlighting how his work ethic has set the standard.Smith said: ‘Every rep is a game rep… everything you hear is real, his work ethic is real… everything you hear is true.’That impact could prove key moving forward.The Rockets also expect a major boost with Fred VanVleet set to return after missing last season through injury.His presence should bring stability to a team that struggled for rhythm at times.With Durant likely to remain in Houston and a young core continuing to develop, expectations are rising.Smith’s comments suggest belief inside the squad is strong heading into the new season.Read more:Major details emerge on NBA star Brandon Clarke’s cause of death‘You’re telling LeBron James’ – Tim Hardaway claims Rich Paul has already made a mistake with 76ersA lot of NBA fans are saying the same thing after LeBron and Dwyane Wade link up