Does Zhaire Smith fit into the Philadelphia 76ers’ long-term plans.
The Philadelphia 76ers have relegated Zhaire Smith‘s 2019-20 season to an extended G-League run. The goal is simple. To get Smith more reps as a ball-handling, three-point shooting weapon. To get him reps in skill areas critical in his development.
On the surface, it’s a reasonable approach to development on a championship contender. Smith can’t contribute to the big club, so he gets run in the minors and, perhaps next season, will have a clearer path to minutes.
There is, however, some reason for concern. Elton Brand took the Sixers’ title aspirations into account with every move made this summer. Trading every second-round pick. Selecting a four-year prospect in the first round. The slew of veterans in the second unit. Al Horford.
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The Sixers’ summer was built on immediate contributions. Smith doesn’t fit the profile of an immediate contributor, and while Philadelphia has reason to keep him in the fold, it’s not far-fetched to expect Smith’s name in the rumor mill sooner than later.
Smith still carries value as a prospect. He’s a one-percent athlete who, at 6-foot-3, is a menacing answer to twitchy point guards. He also has the length to defend up a couple positions, and the instincts to patrol the weak side for an occasional blocked shot.
He’s an objectively good defender with room to grow — something the Sixers were exposed to first-hand at the end of last season. Add a more well-rounded offensive game, and Smith becomes a viable rotation piece.
The Sixers will need cheap wing depth in the coming seasons. Tobias Harris, Al Horford, and Josh Richardson are locked in, which means cap space is at a premium. Smith could fill an important role without breaking the bank.
Still, it’s clear the Sixers view Smith as a project. Shake Milton, Jonah Bolden, Norvel Pelle — all have received longer NBA runs this season. To date, Smith and Marial Shayok are the only members of the 17-man roster not to play a minute for the big club.
If the Sixers don’t view Smith as a contributor, it’s easy to envision a path to Zhaire Smith: Trade Chip. The Sixers are treading water behind Milwaukee in the East, and a major bench upgrade could swing the pendulum closer to their side. Smith might garner intrigue from lesser contenders or rebuilding teams — enough intrigue to get a Davis Bertans-type player to Philadelphia.
In the end, how firm the Sixers are in their convictions — how important they consider Smith’s skill set down the line — will determine his standing in Philadelphia. He’s still a top-20 pick who deserved his status, and the skills we have seen, even in short bursts, are indicative of a bonafide NBA talent.
Smith profiles as ideal trade sweetener, but also as a useful long-term piece. As someone who can provide affordable production and a heir to James Ennis. He still has two years on his rookie contract beyond 2019-20. Fans will have to wait and see.