Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Jalen McDaniels (7) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jabari Smith Jr. makes bold Michael Jordan claim

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 2/17/23

Houston Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. is not too afraid to make a rather bold comment about how he would stack up against present-day Michael Jordan.

Jordan turned 60 on Friday, and Smith honored his birthday by saying the rookie would win in a one-on-one matchup if they played right now. Smith would not even guarantee that Jordan would score on him, only saying that he “might get something.”

Jabari Smith Jr.: "[Michael Jordan is] not beating me right now."

Reporter: "He's 60. Today's his birthday."

JS: "Okay, Happy Birthday MJ. I'm beating you in 1-on-1 right now."

R: "Is he getting any buckets on you to 11?"

JS: "Might make something."pic.twitter.com/Pvr5j8nOSJ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) February 17, 2023

“If a 60-year-old beat me, I need to hang it up,” Smith concluded.

Sure, but Jordan is no normal 60-year-old. Smith might ultimately be right, but given what we know about Jordan, this would probably light a fire under the legend.

In the last week, Smith has taken on Jordan and Philadelphia Eagles fans. Clearly, he’s not afraid of tough opponents.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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