What’s behind Jabari Smith Jr.’s turnaround?

Jabari Smith Jr. is blossoming before our eyes.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. Green had ebbs and flows throughout his rookie season. Smith Jr. was awful for most of his, and for the…