Zhaire Smith, Texas Tech
One of the most intriguing prospects in the draft, Smith could be a dark-horse at 10. He’s easily the best pure athlete, playing above the rim with an impressive sense of ease. You shouldn’t base draft stock around someone’s highlight reel, but Smith’s compilation of high-flying dunks is something to behold.
One common misconception with Smith is that he’s all athlete and no skill, which is flat-out wrong. He’s still raw in many ways, but boasts a high basketball I.Q. and some of the base skills needed to improve at the next level.
Smith was a 45 percent three-point shooter on a limited number of attempts last season. His small sample size and slow release is concerning, but he should be able to iron out some kinks in his shot long term. Even if he shoots poorly on the move, he brings does enough as a spot-up shooter and cutter to play a complimentary role offensively.
Playing off the ball is where Smith is best suited anyway. His athleticism makes him one of the premier cutters in this draft, finding open space and erupting toward the basket. He’s also an underrated passer who keeps the ball moving and makes smart reads when they’re available.
Until he proves he can handle the ball consistently, Smith will be an inherently limited offensive player. Given the Sixers’ core playmakers, though, there’s plenty of value in bringing in an elite defender who is serviceable off the ball.
Around 6-4 with a 6-10 wingspan, Smith is strong enough to guard three positions defensively. He’s highly adept at making plays as a roamer, bursting into passing lanes and kickstarting the transition offense. Smith also averaged a block per game last season, using his athleticism to make plays as a weak-side rim protector.
He’s further behind in his development than most wings in the lottery discussion, but his two-way upside could be worth the gamble.