Admit it. You were getting concerned.
We all were. Even the most fervent supporters (I see you, Uncle Mike) must have had a shred of doubt buried somewhere deep in their subconscious (besides possibly Mike).
Was Jabari Smith Jr. going to be a bust?
It’s become popular to suggest that his rookie year has mirrored Jalen Green’s. I disagree. Green showed flashes early. This kid dropped 30 on the Celtics on 8-for-10 shooting from long range in October.
Yes, he trended upwards throughout the year, as Smith Jr. has. The rise simply wasn’t as steep.