Philadelphia 76ers: 5 reasons Zhaire Smith was a good pick

The Philadelphia 76ers had pick No. 10 in the 2018 NBA Draft. They selected Mikal Bridges before trading him to the Phoenix Suns for Zhaire Smith and a future first round pick.

Trading down in a draft is only good when the future success of the team can benefit from it. This is one of the trades where the Philadelphia 76ers benefit both now and in the future. The 76ers picked Mikal Bridges at No. 10 in the 2018 NBA Draft, taking their top target there.

They then traded him to the Phoenix Suns for Zhaire Smith, who was selected with pick No. 16, and the Miami Heat‘s 2021 first round pick. This trade helps the 76ers now as they receive an athletic, explosive wing who has the potential to contribute next year and into the future.

However, the 2021 draft pick is of tremendous value to the franchise as well. They have two options for this pick: use it to draft a star or use it to help trade for a star. The 76ers are close to competing for a title, and this trade has the potential to move them there.

What Smith brings to the 76ers for next season is of greater interest. What he brings to the team may get them over the hump sooner rather than later.