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5 players to watch at 2019 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Allonzo Trier #14 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks wait to rebound during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Allonzo Trier #14 and Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks wait to rebound during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Zhaire Smith makes his re-return

The Philadelphia 76ers have infamously had to wait an extended period of time for just about all their first round picks to take the floor. From the duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid to Nerlens Noel, each one seems to bring along an injury that requires most if not all of the regular season to heal.

Having been traded to Philly on draft night of 2018, Zhaire Smith was no exception to what is now a traditional curse. After showing flashes in Summer League of 2018, he broke his foot early in August and then required thoracoscopy resulting from a food allergy.

By the time he made his NBA debut, it was the end of March and the Sixers were in the midst of a playoff push. Smith would play just 111 minutes sprinkled across six games to close out the regular season. Without much experience, he was a no-show in the postseason, which makes the upcoming Summer League all the more important.

Smith isn’t just any draft pick. Selected 16th overall by the Phoenix Suns, he was dealt to Philly in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick Mikal Bridges and a future first-rounder. The extra asset aside, the organization wouldn’t have essentially traded down for the now 20-year-old if they didn’t think he could become an everyday contributor.

Elton Brand swung for the fences once again by making moves to acquire Al Horford and Josh Richardson once free agency began. Those two, along with the re-signing of Tobias Harris, round out an intriguing starting five that is sure to function as one of the best defensive units in the league.

Given how little money the front office now has to work with, building a capable supporting cast will be a tough task to manage. Whether or not Smith shows anything in Vegas could go a long way in solving the issue if only just a bit.