Philadelphia 76ers guard Zhaire Smith wants to have a bigger role and impact for the Sixers entering his second season

Smith, the 16th overall pick in the 2018 draft, sat out the majority of last season due to a foot injury and some kind of allergic reaction to sesame seeds. He eventually returned and played six games for Philly, averaging 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 18.5 minutes of action.

Now that he's 100 percent healthy, Smith is eager to prove himself and become a part of Philly's regular rotation.

“That is the goal. Get in the rotation and play hard and do what I do and have fun,” Smith told Marc Narducci of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz (20) is doused with water by guard Ben Simmons (25) and center Amir Johnson (5) after recording his first triple double in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers’ 10 worst NBA Draft day mistakes in historySpencer See ·
76ers' Daryl Morey in the middle with Nick Nurse on one side and Joel Embiid on the other
2 players Philadelphia 76ers must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftTroy Finnegan ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball in the second half against the USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
76ers rumors: Insider getting ‘mixed signals’ on No. 3 pick amid Ace Bailey debateJake Faigus ·
Jared McCain, Philadephia 76ers, Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat, Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks, NBA Finals
Dyson Daniels, Matas Buzelis highlight NBA Finals correspondents for Thunder-PacersTomer Azarly ·
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Tobias Harris clowns Paul George, 76ers for post-Super Bowl strugglesRichard Pereira ·
Paul George and Ace Bailey on the 76ers court.
76ers’ Paul George doubles down on support for Ace Bailey in 2025 NBA DraftMatty Breisch ·

The Sixers are poised to contend for a championship next season, with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris and Al Horford expected to lead the way. It is unclear if Smith will have a significant role with the team next season, but Philly has been patient with him throughout his road to recovery.

The best-case scenario for Smith is to become the second or third-string point guard for the Sixers. However, it wouldn't be a surprise if we see him start the season in the G League. His playing time will be determined by how good he is post-injury or how well he improves throughout the course of next season.

The Sixers have had a long list of draft picks who suffered serious injuries even before they make it to the NBA. Some of them turned out just fine, while others didn't. With that said, the probably already have a plan to handle Smith moving forward.