2018 NBA Mock Draft: The standings are set
Texas Tech. Zhaire Smith. 24. player. 118. . G/F
The Ringer released the full version of its annual NBA Draft Guide this week, and they joined the ranks of those who are extremely high on Smith’s potential. At this point, with how much positivity there is surrounding Smith after a strong year at Texas Tech, it’s tough to imagine he falls nearly this far.
But I’m leaving him in this range both because I’m not quite as high as others on Smith based on questions I have about his role and translatable skill set in the NBA, as well as the fact that I trust much more in his potential to develop into a valuable pro player with these teams than those in the back half of the lottery. Think about it: are you really excited about the prospect of Smith withering away at the end of the Clippers’ bench or struggling within Charlotte’s old school ecosystem?
It’s more fun this way. Imagine Smith in the Dante Exum role with the Jazz, doing big man stuff as a not big man. He has upside as a ball-handler and shooter, but could be a great role player early in his career in the right system. Utah has shown itself to be the kind of team that gets the most out of its parts.