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The rookie curse for the Philadelphia 76ers lives on. Reports are saying that rookie Zhaire Smith could miss the entire 2018-19 season following a major allergic reaction that saw him lose 20 pounds.
John Gonzales of The Ringer wrote a column on the revamped Sixers team, including some details on Smith's unfortunate health complications.
On background, team sources told reporters that they were aware of Smith’s peanut allergy and prepared his food individually, but the team and the player were unaware that he also had a sesame allergy, and he may have eaten something from the facility with sesame in it that triggered a reaction. Reporters were also told that Smith would not play in 2018.
Smith, who is coming off a one-and-done season with Texas Tech, was actually drafted by the Phoenix Suns before the Sixers traded for him. Considered as the most athletic player of the recent draft, Smith has the potential to be a future cornerstone of the franchise.
However, a foot surgery he underwent last August denied him of a chance to showcase his wares in Philly. He was slated to return to the court this December, but the Sixers suddenly issued a statement that brought more bad tidings for the 6-foot-4 rook.
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Via Sarah Todd of Philly Inquirer:
#Sixers Zhaire Smith update below: additionally per team source Zhaire will not return during the 2018 calendar year. pic.twitter.com/OzF9EefXho
— Sarah Todd (@NBASarah) November 10, 2018
With the recent acquisition of superstar Jimmy Butler and the emergence of sharpshooter Landry Shamet, Smith has all the time in the world to recover from this setback.
With a more cohesive unit next year if Butler re-signs with the Sixers, the addition of Smith is something that opposing teams should not overlook.
