Los Angeles Clippers: 5 options for pick No. 13 in 2018 NBA Draft
5. Zhaire Smith, SF — Texas Tech
After having a good season and leading the improbable Texas Tech squad to the Elite Eight, Zhaire Smith looks to be a mid-first round draft pick. With his length and defensive capability, he has the ability to affect both sides of the ball.
Smith has a slew of put-back dunks, blocks and alley-oops in his highlights for his college career. In the open floorm he will be able to dominate and make the team play faster on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball.
What is most noticeable about Smith is his length. He uses his long arms to chase down opponents for blocks, get to the next level in the air on lobs and get the extra edge on both sides of the floor.
What he is missing is a consistent jumper and better ball-handling. There have been better prospects in the draft that did not have a jump shot (the best example being LeBron James) and still flourished in the NBA.
The best comparison for him would be Andre Iguodala. Iguodala came into the league known for his athleticism, defense and his leaping ability. He was able to develop a reliable jump shot and eventually became a Finals MVP.
The Clippers do not need a player they can develop, but they need a player that can step right in and play.
When a team is in a rebuild stage, it has to get the best players it can and Smith, while dominant at the college level, will be a developing player in the NBA until he gets a jumper.