How Philadelphia's Drafting Of Zhaire Smith Is Being Graded

Now that the NBA Draft is complete, so-called experts are handing out their grades. Here’s what they are saying about the 76ers selection of Texas Tech basketball product Zhaire Smith.

The 2018 NBA Draft is in the books and it one that Texas Tech basketball fans will long remember. For only the second time in program history, a Red Raider was taken in the first round when Zhaire Smith was taken at pick No. 16 by Phoenix and then traded to Philadelphia.

The move was not a total shock as many media outlets had reported that the 76ers were high on Smith in the days leading up to the draft. But when Philly selected hometown product Mikal Bridges, whose mother works for the organization, the national media was enamored of the feel-good story that was to good to believe making the trade for Smith seem to come as a major shock.

But Philadelphia is moving forward with Zhaire Smith, much to the chagrin of many Philly sports fans. But fans are notorious for letting their emotions get in the way of logic. It is more telling to see how the experts evaluate the pick.

The general consensus is that the Zhaire Smith pick was solid but not overwhelming. Zach Buckley of “Bleacher Report” gives the 76ers a B+ for their draft.

"“Smith might be the best athlete in this class.” he writes. “He’s now being placed in the Association’s fourth-fastest offense, where he’ll sprint alongside Ben Simmons or cut through crevices opened by the defensive attention Joel Embiid demands.“This defense, which was already third-best, gets stingier with a Swiss Army knife like Smith. The half-court offense threatens to get clunkier, but only if his outside shooting proves a mirage. He hit most of what he released at Texas Tech (45.0 percent from three); he just rarely took aim (18-of-40). Philly doesn’t have spacing to spare with Simmons never launching and Embiid connecting infrequently.“It’s not a perfect fit, but it’s more than snug enough once you factor in the draft pick. The Sixers, remember, are big-game hunting this summer, and this selection might be a powerful trade chip.”"

Meanwhile, CBS Sports’ Reid Forgrave is less impressed with the pick. His concern is that Zhaire Smith might not be ready to contribute next season, when Philly expects to be a serious contender, as well as Bridges could have. He gives the pick a grade of “C+”.

Likewise, FanSided’s Cody Williams hands out a grade of “C”. Williams also seems to be higher on Bridges and intimates that the real value in the move is the addition of the extra 2021 first round pick that Philly could flip for a superstar this offseason.

"“Maybe they have bigger plans, which could make this grade change if those play out favorably, but keeping Bridges would’ve been the wiser move in the moment.” he says."

But Tom Magnotti, also part of the FanSided network has a more positive view of the move. He does not hand out grades but counts Philly head coach Brett Brown, who made the 76ers picks in the absence of a general manager, as one of the draft’s winners.

"Of the Zhaire Smith trade, Magnotti writes, “Smith…could be brilliant as a nominal defensive one that plays the four or small-ball five on offense next to Ben Simmons. That’s a fantastic fit for him, even if he never reaches his potential as a secondary creator.”"

Part of Magnotti’s favorable view of the trade includes the fact that Philly received a future 1st round pick from Phoenix in the deal. The 2021 pick could set up the Sixers for yet another strong haul in a few years when players like Joel Emibd and Ben Simmons and Smith are all in their primes.

Over at “The Ringer”, Jonathan Tjarks gives Philly an “A” grade. He likes the gamble the Sixers took rather than going the predictable route with Bridges.

"“It’s not clear exactly how Smith fits next to Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, but he’s a smart player who may already be the best athlete in the NBA. His defensive ability will get him playing time right away on a contender, and he has more offensive upside than people realize.”"

Those who can see that Zhaire Smith’s athleticism will be a perfect compliment to the fast-paced 76ers are, like Tjarks, very high on the move. The belief is that Smith’s perceived lack of ability to create shots off the dribble will be offset by his ability to fun the fast break next to 2017-18 rookie sensation and 6-foot-10 Magic Johnson clone Ben Simmons.

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Others high on the move take into consideration that the extra 2021 pick could be used as a potential trade chip in landing a potential superstar like San Antonio Spurs’ disgruntled guard Kawhi Leonard. That is a view shared by “Sports Illustrated” writer Jake Fischer and “SB Nation” analyst Ricky O’Donnell.

"Of Smith, O’Donnell writes, “Smith is the best athlete in the draft, an explosive 6’4 guard who plays like a big man. He rebounds better than Jaren Jackson and blocks more shots than Marvin Bagley, making him one of the most unique prospects in this class. There is no better pure athlete in this class than Smith.“If his shooting eventually comes around, watch out. Until then, he’ll thrive running in transition with Ben Simmons and will be able to make plays above the rim on both ends of the court.”"

Of course, any of these views are pure speculation from people who were not involved in analyzing Zhaire Smith’s workouts and who do not have the pedigree of being an NBA executive. But it is interesting to see the those outside the Texas Tech bubble think of the Sixers’ decision to go with Smith over some far safer options.

Next: Texas Tech Lands 2019 QB

Ultimately, it looks as if Smith is a great fit in Philly for a number of reasons. He will not be asked to be the savior of the franchise and he is joining one of the most talented rosters in the league which will afford him the opportunity to grow into his role. One thing is for certain. Texas Tech fans as a whole will be paying way more attention to Philadelphia basketball and the Eastern Conference than ever before next season.

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How Zhaire Smith Draft Pick Is Being Graded

By Matthew Conner | Jun 23, 2018

Now that the NBA Draft is complete, so-called experts are handing out their grades. Here’s what they are saying about the 76ers selection of Texas Tech basketball product Zhaire Smith.

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