Bird's the word in Las Vegas Summer League - Jabari Bird displaying his talent
Bird is averaging 30.0 MPG, 19.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.5 APG and 1.5 SPG, while shooting 56% from the field. Jabari may never be a star in the League, but he is showing that he belongs at the NBA level.
He played last season for the Celtics and G-League Maine Red Claws on a one-year, two-way contract. Boston tendered a qualifying offer this season on another two-way contract, making him a restricted free agent.
His athleticism and all-around solid play in Las Vegas thus far may very well result in an offer on a standard (as opposed to two-way) contract by another NBA team, which the Celtics have the right to match.
As it sits right now, Marcus Smart's contract situation is in Limbo, and his signing, or lack thereof, will definitely have an effect on Bird's status with the team. Jabari is not only an NBA-level talent, he has the size and versatility that the Celtics look for, and he is damn exciting to watch.
Not to mention that it may be time for another Bird on the Celtics roster. For the sake of nostalgia, the video below clearly demonstrates just how terrific Larry Bird was in his prime.
And if you are wondering who the hell sang that so-called song, it was the aptly-named Trashmen singing Surfin' Bird. The video below is as bad as the song, but it is worth watching for a few seconds just for the amusement value.
Many of our readers have broached the importance of signing Jabari Bird, and I could not agree more. The roster is close to being crammed right now, and it may come down to a numbers game. We should hope that Smart's contract issue gets resolved soon.
Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC
Photo via Stuart Cahill/Boston Herald
Jabari Bird highlight video via Tomasz Kordylewski
Larry Bird video via taylorgopro
Trashmen video via Genuro T.
