The Philadelphia 76ers announced Thursday that rookie guard Zhaire Smith underwent a successful thoracoscopy on Wednesday.
The surgery was performed to address an issue that stemmed from an allergic reaction to a food product. Smith is currently recovering and an additional update will be provided as appropriate.
Zhaire Smith medical update. #sixers pic.twitter.com/W26pk6meLg
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 27, 2018
Smith also had surgery in August to repair a Jones fracture, the same injury Sixers star Ben Simmons suffered during his rookie season in 2016. Simmons missed his entire rookie year as a result. A timetable for Smith's return is currently unknown, but it would be a shock to many if he suits up this season.
Smith played in six games during Summer League and posted 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He shot 32 percent from the field in roughly 25 minutes per game.
Smith played his college ball at Texas Tech University. He appeared in 37 games and averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 55.6 percent from the field, 45.0 percent from beyond the arc and 71.7 percent from the free-throw line.
First it was Joel Embiid. Then it was Simmons. Then it was Markelle Fultz. And now it's Smith. The Sixers can't escape the rookie curse, but the good news is they really don't need Smith's services this season.
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