Zhaire Smith was recruited by the Texas Tech Raiders as a three-star recruit, but after just a year in Lubbock, he’s now getting pegged as among the top picks in this Thursday’s NBA Draft in Brooklyn.
According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN, the 6-foot-5 guard is being eyed by the Philadelphia 76ers as their first pick in the draft. The Sixers hold the rights to the no. 10 pick in the first round, courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Hearing Sixers very interested in @zhaire_smith with the 10th pick, sources said. He worked out with the Sixers twice. https://t.co/UJw55t2I0w
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) June 21, 2018
Philadelphia seems to be an ideal destination for the athletic Smith, who can provide defensive versatility for the Sixers. He’s an explosive athlete capable of staying with his man even during switching plays on defense. He’s fast enough to cover guards and has the strength to keep up with bigger wings.
Zhaire attracted a ton of attention in college especially during the national tournament, as the Red Raiders managed to go as deep as the Elite Eight round, where they were taken out by eventual champions, Villanova Wildcats. From the first round to the Sweet 16, Smith averaged 13.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.33 assists per game.
He finished his lone season with Texas Tech with averages of 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists and shot a great 45.0 percent from deep nightly, albeit on very limited attempts, and 55.6 percent from the field overall.
The Sixers have five picks in the draft after trading their 39th pick to the Lakers.
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