Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 16 in 2018 NBA Draft

2. Zhaire Smith, SF – Texas Tech

If the Suns are looking for an uber-athletic wing to help nudge T.J. Warren closer to the trade block, they could do worse than Texas Tech’s Zhaire Smith.

Not only did this 18-year-old help lead the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, but he’s got the kind of explosiveness that would make Mount Vesuvius blush:

https://twitter.com/TexasTechMBB/status/997237981055512576

He only averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game this season, but he shot a tidy 55.6 percent from the field and knocked down 45 percent of his 3-pointers. He only attempted 40 on the season, but it appears his long range shot is coming along nicely:

However, the real boost he’d bring to the Suns is on the defensive end. Aside from the 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks per game he averaged last year, Smith is quick enough to defend guards but also strong enough to handle bigger wings.

Unfortunately, the NBA Draft Combine dialed back the optimism on his defensive versatility. Though he’s listed as 6’5″, he came in at only 6’2.75″ without his shoes on, which means he might be better suited for the 2 at the next level.

In any case, Zhaire Smith can do a little bit of everything. He’s a good rebounder for his position, willing to make the right play and used to setting screens from his time at Texas Tech. The Ringer went as far as describing him as a “shorter Andre Roberson,” but don’t let that description scare you, because he looks like he’ll be able to actually spread the floor on offense too.

ESPN‘s Jonathan Givony mocks the long-armed, defensive-minded Smith to Phoenix at No. 16, and if that’s the outcome on draft night, Suns fans would have plenty of reasons to be excited about the pick.