No. 16: Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech (via Phoenix Suns)
Throughout all of the Mikal Bridges buzz, Zhaire Smith quietly sat high on the Sixers’ radar for consideration at No. 10. The Sixers worked out Smith in their last group workout before the draft, per Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philly.
Landry Shamet worked out with Zhaire Smith in the Sixers last group workout before the draft on Tuesday.
— Jessica Camerato (@JessicaCamerato) June 22, 2018
Brett Brown and the Sixers front office seemed to be impressed enough with Smith’s workout to pursue the offer.
Zhaire Smith said that Brett Brown told him that he reminds him of Kawhi Leonard.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 22, 2018
Brett Brown says Mikal Bridges was 1A, Zhaire Smith was 1B. Offer of 1st rd(unprotected) pick sealed trade.
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) June 22, 2018
This tells me that the 76ers wanted Zhaire Smith all along and Brett Brown worked the trade market. I am extremely impressed.
— Chalk Talk (@ChalkTalk_NFL) June 22, 2018
The decisions made in this draft could play a considerable part in the Sixers’ free agency plan this summer, which is to add a LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard or Paul George to the roster.
Smith brings another superior athletic presence to the Sixers’ prominent defense, with an ability to create his own shot and crash the boards. Smith is 6’4” with a 6’9” wingspan and can play virtually anywhere from guard to forward.
Essentially, he is the human highlight reel of this rookie class with plenty of room to grow.
Grade: A