LAS VEGAS -- The Celtics best player in summer league thus far isn't actually on the roster yet for next season. Jabari Bird remains a restricted free agent one week after his two-way contract expired with Boston.
It's unclear whether the Celtics will have room for him on the 15-man roster at the start of next season. The team could try to bring him back on a two-way deal (they have one open spot), but Bird is looking for more than that in his second NBA season. He wants a spot on the 15-man roster and he's making a strong case in summer league that he belongs in that role.
Bird stole the show on Saturday night for Boston, scoring 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting in the C's 82-69 loss to the Denver Nuggets. On a night when NBA roster players struggled (Semi Ojeleye and Guerschon Yabusele combined for nine points), Bird showed consistency and control on both ends of the floor.
"Just try to have fun with it, that's the main thing," Bird said of playing for a job this week. "I've worked all summer and I've worked hard my whole life. I'm just trying to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves on the court. I'm just thankful to be a part of a great organization right now and they are letting me showcase my skills."
Offensively, the 6-foot-5 guard continues to punish opponents on the offensive end with timely cuts around the basket and impressive finishes. He has the hang time on his vertical to maneuver well in traffic and he routinely beat distracted defenders with strong moves to the rim on Saturday night, which led to several of his 24 points.
JABARI BIRD LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ? pic.twitter.com/GjlW1s46gS
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) July 8, 2018