The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 wings Sixers should consider in the lottery

By Christopher Kline

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: G Mikal Bridges (25) of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates during the Villanova Wildcats game versus the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Second Round of the NCAA Division I Men's Championship on March 17, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: G Mikal Bridges (25) of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates during the Villanova Wildcats game versus the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Second Round of the NCAA Division I Men's Championship on March 17, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – DECEMBER 13: Texas Tech guard Zhaire Smith (2) makes an aggressive face after dunking during the Texas Tech Raider’s 82-53 victory over the Kennesaw State Owls on December 13, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, TX. (Photo by Sam Grenadier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – DECEMBER 13: Texas Tech guard Zhaire Smith (2) makes an aggressive face after dunking during the Texas Tech Raider’s 82-53 victory over the Kennesaw State Owls on December 13, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, TX. (Photo by Sam Grenadier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Smith was one of this season’s best stories, going from a relative unknown to one of the best wings in the 2018 class. The explosive freshman was a key cog for an Elite 8 team, combining high-level athleticism with impressive defensive instincts.

While raw offensively, Smith has the kind of upside the Sixers should be drawn to. He’s already a plus defender who’s capable of guarding multiple positions, while his athleticism could translate into quality offense down the line.

Smith still needs a lot of work on the offensive end. He shot 45 percent from deep on 1.1 attempts per game this season, but there are valid concerns over whether or not he can shoot consistently at the next level. He’s not much of a ball handler either, doing most of his damage as a cutter.

Still, we’ve seen plenty of raw, athletic wings add to their game and outperform their draft stock in recent years. Kawhi Leonard would be the best example of that. The Sixers have always thrived in the player development department, and Smith is a high-upside wing worth considering.