Philadelphia 76ers: 5 breakout candidates for the 2018-19 season

Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

2. Zhaire Smith

First and foremost, Zhaire Smith is a top-three Brett Brown pronounced Sixers name. I would be Zi-eahhh Smith up there with Dah-E-O Sah-rich, T.J. Mc-Cawwwnell, and Ahh-meeuh Jawnsen

Now for actual basketball …

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Zhaire Smith is a true Sixer. He’s already hurt. A foot fracture has him out for an undisclosed amount of time. On draft night, the Sixers sent ripples through the NBA universe by dealing Mikal Bridges for Zhaire Smith and a future first-round pick.

The 6-foot-4 wing from Texas Tech has impact player written all over him. Smith soars for tip dunks.  He cuts to the basket with integrity, and uses his nonstop motor to make major defensive stops. Its not hard to see why the Sixers decided to devote themselves to Zhaire Smith. He’s a gravity-defying, hard-nosed gamer.

The foot fracture Smith sustained will keep him sidelined for several months, but it’s not hard to envision his immediate impact. Zhaire Smith is going to be a transition scorer and competent defender. His jump shot may be a work in progress, but he’s not hopeless from three. Zhaire Smith is going to be a boost to the Sixers once he returns. Smith could seamlessly become a fan favorite by season’s end.