Philadelphia 76ers general manager Elton Brand recently went on the record to say that he fully expects rookie Zhaire Smith to make his NBA debut at some point this season.
Despite talks of Smith missing out on his entire rookie year altogether, Brand has made it abundantly clear that we will all get to see the former Texas Tech standout sooner rather than later:
Elton Brand says he still expects Zhaire Smith to be back this season. He's currently practicing with the Delaware @blue_coats.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 8, 2019
In August of last year, Smith underwent surgery on his left foot to repair a Jones fracture. In December, he went under the knife again, this time having a thoracoscopy procedure to address an issue related to an allergic reaction. It has been quite a bumpy ride for the 19-year-old, but with recent news of his assignment to the Sixers' G League affiliate team in Delaware, it appears that Smith is inching towards a return to the court.
If and when he is finally ready to take the floor again, Smith is not expected to have a major role in the Sixers' rotation. He will likely serve as a third-string backup, with an occasional appearance here and there. It will be a challenge for Smith to carve out a significant role in head coach Brett Brown's rotation.
Smith was drafted 16th overall by the Phoenix Suns, but was quickly moved to the Sixers (along with a future first-round pick) in exchange for Mikal Bridges during draft day.
In his one year in college, the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
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