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Texas Tech Basketball: Possible Landing Sports For Zhaire Smith

By Matthew Conner

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Zhaire Smith
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Zhaire Smith /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 23: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 23, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

The Atlanta Hawks

Another team with two first round picks and in desperate need of a talent infusion is the Atlanta Hawks.  Picking at No. 3 and No. 19 in the draft, the Hawks are looking to solidify a team that was intentionally dreadful last year.

One area in which Atlanta struggled was a the small forward position.  What’s more, the Hawks are looking to possibly unload their two best back court players, shooting guard Kent Bazemore and point guard Dennis Schroder who combined for over 31 points per game last year.

Should they do so, they might be interested in European point guard Luka Doncic with the third pick but if they take a big man like Marvin Bailey III or Jaren Jackson, Smith could be in play at No. 19.

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Playing for Atlanta, especially if Bazemore and/or Schroder are gone, would place a higher priority on Zhaire Smith’s ability to develop an offensive game in a hurry.  But an opportunity for more shots could actually help him develop more rapidly if you believe in the idea of learning to swim by jumping into the deep end of the pool.

Defensively, like every bad team, Atlanta is lacking.  The Hawks ranked 24th in opponents points per game, 22nd in defensive efficiency, 23rd in defensive rebounds per game and 24th in opponent shooting percentage.

The Hawks appear to be highly interested in Doncic which would likely mean they would not take another guard in Smith at pick 19.  But they are also being rumored to be shopping the pick in an effort to move down.

If Doncic is not there at No. 3 or if the Hawks trade back, Zhaire Smith could fill a great need in Atlanta, especially if they are going to re-build their entire back court.

Next: Texas Tech Lands San Angelo QB

Other teams reportedly linked to Smith include the L.A. Lakers, L.A. Clippers, Denver Nuggets and the Charlotte Hornets.  But wherever he ends up, Texas Tech basketball fans will certainly be excited to finally see another Red Raider get a shot in the NBA.

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