The Philadelphia 76ers top rookie, Zhaire Smith, finally made his G-League debut with the Delaware Blue Coats this past week.
There was no shortage of news surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers and their rookies. While the biggest news is surrounding the top pick from this past draft, all the team’s rookies have important updates.
16th pick, 2018
It finally happened. Zhaire Smith finally returned to playing basketball and there’s no restriction on his playing time. His debut game was what was expected, a player with plenty of rust. He only had two points, three rebounds and two assists on 1-4 shooting against the Maine Red Claws. During his second game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Smith looked more comfortable. He finished with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and one block on 5-9 shooting.
While the point production is nice, it’s his defense that’s the most important part of his development, according Blue Coats coach Conner Johnson per Noah Levick of NBCSPhilly. Levick also reported a very interesting fact regarding Smith’s recovery.
Zhaire Smith: "I eat sleep, and dream basketball."
— Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) March 5, 2019
So, how'd he cope when he couldn't play?
“I went to the gym. Tube in my stomach and all, I was doing jump shooting.”
The dedication that Smith has to the game is very encouraging. Hopefully, this carries over once he finishes the season with the Blue Coats and then joins the Sixers.
Season stats: Blue Coats
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/7/2019.
36th pick, 2017
The Sixers were very thin at the center position against the Orlando Magic this past week when Jonah Bolden was out with sinusitis, according to Keith Pompey of Philly.com. He had a nice outing scoring-wise against the Golden State Warriors with 12 points. However in both games he did play in this past week, Bolden averaged five fouls in each contest.
In extended time, Bolden can’t seem to keep himself out of foul trouble. As of now, the less minutes the better for the rookie big man seems to be the best formula for his personal success. However, until the other centers get healthy that will be hard to do.
Season stats: 76ers
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/7/2019.
54th pick, 2018
More from The Sixer Sense
- 3 Sixers players who could help Team USA Basketball
- 76ers 2k24 ratings: 3 most underrated players on Philadelphia roster
- 76ers head coach Nick Nurse bares lofty plans for Paul Reed this season
- Grade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal
- Sixers Podcast: Danny Green returns + James Harden bombshell
Blue Coats coach Johnson revealed that injured rookie Shake Milton is expected to return before the end of Delaware’s season, according to Levick. The news is encouraging and it’s good that Milton isn’t ending the season on the injury report. Any additional playing time he can get is a positive moving forward.
Undrafted, 2018
Due to all the injuries the Sixers had when they faced the Magic, Haywood Highsmith was recalled to Philly’s roster for the game, according to Pompey. However, the two-way contract player didn’t record any playing time in the game.
In the two games for the Blue Coats he did play in this past week, Highsmith did start both contests. Against the Red Claws, he struggled with eight points, seven rebounds, two assists, and five turnovers. He bounced back against the Mad Ants with 11 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Season stats: Blue Coats
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/7/2019.
This was a week full of news for the Philadelphia 76ers rookies. With only 10 games left for the Blue Coats, some of the Sixers rookies season will be coming to an end soon in regards to getting regular playing time.