Bill Simmons 'Devastated' Celtics Didn't Trade for Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. has caught the attention of many with his early performances at the Las Vegas Summer League.
Last year's No. 3 overall pick has scored 30+ in each of his first two games, including a buzzer-beater in Friday's win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Someone sitting courtside to witness Smith's game-winning shot was The Ringer columnist Bill Simmons, prompting him to wish that his beloved Boston Celtics would have traded for him in a Jaylen Brown deal.
"I was semi-devastated cuz I do feel like if the Celts had pushed hard for the Jaylen [Brown] for Jabari [Smith] and No. 4, some version of that ... That was probably the most logical Jaylen trade," Simmons said on his podcast.
Before the draft, the Rockets had been linked to the Celtics in trade rumors for Brown, citing his connection with former Boston coach Ime Udoka. However, the Rockets stood pat and selected Amen Thompson with the No. 4 pick, who joins Smith in Houston's young core of exciting prospects.
Brown has one year left on his contract and has yet to be extended, which could mean a trade is coming down the line. However, the Celtics' decision to keep Brown likely points to some interest in keeping and extending him.
Even though Brown is talented, I think it's safe to say that the Rockets are happy with Smith and Thompson.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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