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Los Angeles Clippers 2018 Draft Profile: Zhaire Smith

By Nathan Jacobo

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 09: Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) goes high for a dunk but was called for a charge in the first half of a semifinal game in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the West Virginia Mountaineers and Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 9, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 09: Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) goes high for a dunk but was called for a charge in the first half of a semifinal game in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the West Virginia Mountaineers and Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 9, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Clippers currently own the 12th and 13 Pick in the NBA Draft. We will take a look at Zhaire Smith from Texas Tech, who worked out for the Clips.

Along with Troy Brown Jr from Oregon, Brad Turner of the LA Times also reported that, Guard Zhaire Smith from Texas Tech would also be participating in the Los Angeles Clippers Pre-Draft Workout yesterday.

Smith does not really get mentioned as a high pick, but here is why we shouldn’t sleep on him. Also he turned 19 yesterday! Happy belated Birthday, Zhaire!

Strengths

Hops, bunnies, or whatever term you would like to call major vertical and athleticism is the definition of Zhaire Smith. He could very well win an NBA Dunk Contest in the future.

Here is just a glimpse of what he can do:

Catching a lob alone is not easy, but perfecting a 360 and slamming it home deserves a 10. Smith can also put the ball on the deck and create his own shot.

When open, he knocked down the 3-ball at a high rate. He did not take many, but he shot a high clip at 45% on the year.

I don’t know if it’s because he wears the number #2, plays in Texas or something else, but he reminds me of a shorter, more explosive Kawhi Leonard at 6’5, 195 lbs. His shot form is very similar to Kawhi’s too.

If he can stay healthy and continue to grow and develop, he can be in this league for years to come.

Weaknesses

Many believe Zhaire’s game is based only off of his athleticism. Despite that being the case right now, he is still very raw.

Smith will need to get better at hitting a consistent 3-ball and be able to play off ball.

There is no question about his motor as he always fights for every possession and coaches definitely love to see that type of effort.

Smith should be able to craft his game and become a known name in this league.

Lob City 2.0?

If the Clippers do very well decide to draft both Troy Brown Jr. and Zhaire Smith, we may have Lob City 2.0 on our hands.

Two freakishly, athletic combo guards/forwards would have them fit in with the team on both ends of the floor.

We have seen our fair-share of lobs and posters from the bigs, but can you imagine seeing that from the wings and backcourt!?

Smith can excel if he is on the court with players like Patrick Beverley, Austin Rivers, Sindarius Thronwell, Jawun Evans and Montrezl Harrell.

Opposing offenses will get locked down with the amount of ammunition the Clippers may have on defense going into next season (That is, if they stay healthy).

Overall

Zhaire Smith is a high-caliber athlete entering the NBA. He can definitely rise up with the best of them in the league. He is still a raw player, but having literally just turned 19 years old, he has room to expand his game.

Whichever team gets him will have an exciting prospect that fans will enjoy and love. All he needs to do is be groomed by the right coach and find the right system.

Smith will have some amazing dunks that we will remember in the future.