2018 NBA Mock Draft 5.0

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Texas Tech. Zhaire Smith. 16. player. 66. . SG/SF

Smith was a lesser-known freshman entering the season, but he quickly established himself as a prospect — and eventually a first round talent — during Texas Tech’s run to the NCAA Tournament.

At 6-5, Smith is one of the best athletes in this year’s class. He doesn’t add much as a shooter yet, but he’s a dangerous cutter who can do some serious damage in transition. His defensive upside is also something teams will covet.

Quality perimeter pieces are at a premium nowadays, and Smith has plenty of room to grow. He’s still just 18 with obvious physical gifts that are hard to come by outside the lottery. The Suns, having already bolstered their frontcourt with Ayton, should feel comfortable with this pick.