Boston Celtics: Complete 2017 offseason grades

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward get introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Drafting Jabari Bird

After going to the well last year for a California Golden Bear in Jaylen Brown, the Celtics took his former teammate with the 56th pick in the draft. Jabari Bird came out of high school as a highly-touted, score-first point guard. While the role was correct, his development into a top-tier NBA prospect never came to fruition.

Bird has the scoring part down, dropping 14.3 points per game in his senior season at Cal. He’s an excellent shooter, knocking down 2.4 3-pointers per game last season. For his four-year career he shot 37 percent from long range, a skill he will need to translate to the pro-level to have a shot at a full roster spot.

He will also need to prove he is more than a one-trick pony. Bird is not a facilitator in any sense of the word, averaging just one assist per game last season despite playing 32 minutes per game. Rebounds, steals, blocks, free throw attempts — he provided even average help in none of these categories.

Despite the popular trends for two-way players, there is always going to be a need in the league for bench players who can create their own shot and score at an efficient level. But for Bird to make either the Celtics or another team, he will need to prove much more than he has to this point in his basketball development. Another low-cost pick, but one with less of a clear path to providing value.

Grade: C

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