FanSided Network 2018 NBA Mock Draft

At No. 18 overall, the San Antonio Spurs receive one of the draft’s most athletic players with intriguing upside at both ends of the court, Zhaire Smith, a guard from Texas Tech. It’s a fit that makes sense heading into the 2018 offseason.

Smith fills in depth at shooting guard, which will potentially be wiped out this offseason, with the unknown statuses of possible free agents, Danny Green and Bryn Forbes, and the looming retirement of Manu Ginobili. If all three depart, it leaves Derrick White, who spent most of the season in the G League, as the lone two guard.

The selection of Smith brings the aforementioned athletic upside to the table, making him an issue for opponents at both ends of the floor, particularly on defense. Add in a 6-foot-9.75 wingspan, a trait that gives him the length to play bigger, and it may make him an impact player on at least one part of the floor.

Smith’s offensive game is a work in progress, however. He did not showcase a consistent 3-point shot in college, something he likely will be asked to do in an outside-shooting league, especially at his shooting guard size. If he develops this with the Spurs, an organization that turned Kawhi Leonard from a questionable shooter into one of the best, then there’s hope they can do the same with the No. 18 overall pick.

Athleticism can’t be taught, but the Spurs can help Smith hone his offensive skills and make him into the next core piece of the team. It may take time but it’s a worthwhile pick for a team that needs the length to cover the Western Conference’s elite scorers.”

— Rob Wolkenbrod

For more on the San Antonio Spurs, read Air Alamo and follow on Twitter.