Bird's Hard Work Pays Off, Earns Spot in C's Nest

BOSTON – Jabari Bird did everything in his power over the past year to prove his worth to the Boston Celtics. On Thursday, the second-year guard’s hard work finally paid off, as the organization rewarded him with an NBA contract.

Bird, the 56th overall pick of the 2017 Draft, spent last season on a two-way deal with the Celtics, splitting his time between Boston and Portland, Maine – the home of the G League’s Red Claws.

In Boston, Bird’s role was limited, only appearing in 13 games while averaging 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. However, he was patient, diligent, and took advantage of every opportunity he was given.

For example, Bird was called up to the C’s at the tail-end of the…