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

3. Zhaire Smith has a higher ceiling

When the Philadelphia 76ers traded Mikael Bridges for Zhaire Smith, they basically told the entire NBA they think they are a year or two off contending for the title. This is ok; you have to have realistic expectations of your team or the price might be severe.

By getting Smith — who has a higher ceiling than Bridges, who is more of a player who can help a team now — the 76ers are lining up for a run at the title around 2020. This is the time that Simmons, Embiid, Saric and Smith will be playing at or near their full potential.

The Process may be over thanks to the playoff berth this season, but the 76ers are exhibiting signs they want to build for the future while still succeeding now. Smith needs to work on his outside shot as he was not able to develop while in college playing mainly at the 4. His development of an outside shot will keep his defender from being able to cut off driving lanes.

Smith also needs to improve with the ball. He will not have it in his hands much with Simmons and Fultz running the floor. However, Smith needs to create off the dribble and work on his distribution in traffic.