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[Gatlin] Jabari Smith Jr. on why he’s playing in Summer League: “I’m 20 years old. Why wouldn’t I play? We were 22-60 last year. My rookie year wasn’t perfect, so why not get out here and get reps, play with my new teammates and coaches.”



[Gatlin] Jabari Smith Jr. on why he’s playing in Summer League: “I’m 20 years old. Why wouldn’t I play? We were 22-60 last year. My rookie year wasn’t perfect, so why not get out here and get reps, play with my new teammates and coaches.”

by KryptoNike007

36 Comments

  1. PillsburyToasters

    Same reason Keegan Murray is playing summer league. Sometimes you want to work on a part of your game you normally don’t get to do during the season. Best time to do it is when you’re given the opportunity in a low stress environment

  2. GrandeCelsiusHill

    The players association is not gonna like Jabrari. Gotta load manage more

  3. OKCDraftPick2028

    sophomores look like they are all stars in the summer league. some of their teammates can’t even dribble lmao

    max christie looks like the 2nd coming of kobe amongst his teammates but he is still younger than most of the rookies drafted in 1st round this year

    nba exp is really different

  4. toadtruck

    He was the best player in the second half last night.

  5. Accomplished_Fun_995

    Fans complain that players don’t play enough yet when they do play and it’s perceived as not important, they get questioned why they’re playing. I’m all for guys playing, I’m a fan, I rather see my 1st-3rd guys play than see 12 others that won’t ever make a team.

  6. SpinJitsu259

    Has the right attitude which I appreciate. Was a bit of a mixed bag last night, though hat tip to the second half. He was great. Still have a hard time believing in his offensive game. Just feels too robotic and clunky. I think my favorite part of his offensive game yesterday was some of his passing.

  7. sorendiz

    Oh I love that. He’s absolutely right, but also what a stupid thing to ask in the first place. Great answer.

  8. hereforporn696969

    +5 legacy points for Jabari Smith Jr.

  9. Loud_Address_1080

    This is the correct answer and speaks highly of his professionalism and work ethic.

  10. MrAbadeer

    I like this kid. You seem him playing summer league, yoga (high level), boxing, etc. No excuses. He’s going to have a break out year now that he’s got a coach who will put him positions to succeed.

  11. Geriatric-Feud

    Love this guy, expecting him to be a star very soon

    Pretty much ideal size for a modern PF, great skillset and the right mindset by all accounts

  12. PandasareBad

    Reminds me the last year Jaylen Brown played Summer League it was clear he was so much better the everyone out there and he was going to take a leap. Murray and Jabari are in the same boat

  13. Smellmyhand

    I love this mentality. I still think he’s going to be a perennial all-star, all-nba player. He’s so freaking huge already and his body is still filling out. He’s a lot better than people have been giving him credit for and I thought that before watching him last night.

  14. Jokerang

    Good mentality to have. This team definitely needs guys like that – it’s part of the reason we overpaid FVV.

  15. Losalou52

    He’s the guy I want the Blazers to wind up with in the Dame trade.

    Get Jovic, Jaquez Jr, Jabari Smith Jr, and some frp’s. Dame to Miami and Martin or Herro and a pick to Houston or something along those lines.

  16. Akumetsu33

    Great answer and love his mindset however if he gets injured seriously, watch how quickly the perspective on him changes to “he shouldn’t have played in summer league!”

    Here’s hoping he has a healthy summer league.

  17. diseasedyank

    what kind of moron asks that question

  18. xvilemx

    This is what summer league was intended to be. A place for guys on the fringe fighting for a spot on the roster to earn it, and a place for younger guys years 1-4 to practice their new skills with NBA level competition.

  19. Caroleanlover

    play all you want Bari done mind em

  20. ReporterVas0

    Its not like he was going to waste it. Its genuine hormonal hunger cant be controlled.

  21. Natioemist

    Its not like he was going to waste it. Its genuine hormonal hunger cant be controlled.

  22. ImminentReddits

    Ima be real chief that might be the dumbest interview question of the early season so far- “Hey bro how come you’re playing basketball.” I stg half us dumbass nephews on r/nba would ask better questions that these reporters lmao

  23. AnkitPancakes

    This guy deserves better than the Rockets

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