The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 6.0

By Christopher Kline

MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 25: Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Miles Bridges (22) fakes going up for a shot during a college basketball game between Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers on February 25th, 2018 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. Michigan State defeats Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - FEBRUARY 25: Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Miles Bridges (22) fakes going up for a shot during a college basketball game between Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers on February 25th, 2018 at the Kohl Center in Madison, WI. Michigan State defeats Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

73. . SG/SF. Texas Tech. Zhaire Smith. 14. player

The Nuggets take a gamble on upside and add one the best athletes in this class. Smith has a long way to go developmentally, but he flashed the kind of two-way upside at Texas Tech that should get him fringe lottery consideration in June.

Smith’s best asset is his defense. His frame and athletic tools allowed him to wreak havoc against college offenses. He’s also a killer in transition, playing above the rim with ease and turning turnovers into baskets.

Offensively, Smith will get plenty of opportunities as a cutter next to Nikola Jokic. He’s not much of a shooter yet,  but that will likely be a focus of his in the coming years. Wings with favorable athletic profiles are at a premium. Smith fits that bill.