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CAMDEN, N. J. – At Texas Tech and throughout the pre-draft process, people raved about Zhaire Smith's athleticism. This is one of the reasons the Sixers have acquired it under a contract with the Suns. And after a few days at the minicamp of the summer league, Smith 's athletics continues to amaze his teammates.
Smith, who officially signed with the Sixers on Monday, will play his first game of the summer league on Friday at 7:30 pm. on ESPN against the Celtics. The first impressions of his game should give you a good idea of what you can expect to see.
# The guy is a freak athlete & # 39;
These are Landry Shamet's first words when asked about his impressions of Smith. Shamet, the No. 26 pick in this year's repechage, said that Smith's athletics may surprise you.
"It's sneaky," Shamet said. "If you look at it, you may not think that it's going to be weird and explosive here, but it's doing things like [Monday] where it's got a setback in practice where it's just coming out of nowhere is it when you do not expect things.I think it's the mark of a very good athlete; it's supposed to be a regular game and it makes it a game. I think it's Zhaire to a T-shirt. "
" One of the best athletes I've ever known, and there are many in this group. Zhaire is a great guy, who is already starting to have a relationship with him. Good guy, play really hard, really athletic, play the right way. I will be someone with whom I will love to play. "
Cameron Oliver, of the Delaware Blue Coats, shared Shamet's view on Smith's particular athletics.
" Zhaire, it's probably one of the guards out there. more athletic than I've ever seen in my life, "says Oliver." It was fun to play with him, show him how things work … show him the strings. "
And if for some reason you thought these two guys were aberrations, Demetrius Jackson also pointed to Smith's athletic ability – well, he's really good, "said Jackson. "He's so talented and athletic, and he can fly." He's going to be a great player for a long time and he has a good base around him here in Philadelphia to help him grow and develop. He's a great kid too, so I can not wait to see him succeed. "
What does the jumper look like?
Since Smith has only attempted 40 points in his only season at Texas Tech, there are naturally some questions about his jumper.
In person, you can not detect any major flaws in Smith's shot. He gets a nice rotation and a good bow, places his shoulders in the basket and follows well.
Zhaire Smith, Landry Shamet, and Haywood Highsmith make five 3s in a post-workout practice. #sixers pic.twitter.com/v7QEGvoeUX
– Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) July 1, 2018
It also seems more comfortable than you think. Like almost all players, he is better when his feet are under him, but his athleticism helps him to shoot even when he is not in perfect shooting position. This three-arched pointer behind the panel is a good example.
Zhaire Smith with rainbow 3 behind the panel. pic.twitter.com/M7ImbF2glT
– Noah Levick (@NoahLevick) July 3, 2018
If anything, its release could be a little faster and more consistent, although it's a positive sign that he seems to be doing his shooting a little faster than at the university. Smith knows that his jumper can improve, and he works to refine it.
"I just shot, I keep trying to be more regular, that's about all," Smith said. "Continue to follow my follow-up When I start running out, it's just the little things – I have to breathe or use my legs."
Smith acknowledged that the move to the NBA's three-point line is "a big fit". His legs.
It will be interesting to see how Smith's shot looks like a game action, and to see how confident he is that he pulls the trigger from afar. Everything indicates that he has a solid foundation with his jumper
Learn a new job
The 6-foot-4 Smith, who played at the front in college, will play on the wing of the NBA. According to him, this has not been a difficult transition to here.
"I'm just playing against faster guards," Smith said. "I did a good fit, I'm comfortable playing both and a little bit of three here in practice, but it's not a too big adjustment."
Smith showed some gaming skill in the part of practice open to the media, finding teammates inside.Many opportunities, including a part of Tuesday where he was part of a double team and he has concocted to Chris McCullough inside for an easy lay-up.
It was not perfect defensively, but the lateral speed does not look like it's a problem.The only thing you can say with confidence after watching Smith is that he is very competitive – he does not take any gambling. We still do not know he'll be a wing of the NBA successful, but at a minimum, he should bring some energy and some ferocious dunks off the bench as a rookie.
What to watch for in Summer League [19659030] According to Smith, he is working on "my complete game: shooting, ball handling, defense, and just learning the game, by building my IQ."
In summer league, we should see his Athletics On Full Display For the Sixers, any success as a three point shooter or signs that he has the tools to excel as a two-guard NBA would be a bonus.
Smith said that he did not set any specific goals for the summer league. 19659002] "I did not think about it," he said. "I'm just trying to win and develop." Have fun and play the game. "
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