Zhaire Smith Impresses In Rehab Stint
You cannot kill Zhaire Smith.
After breaking his foot in the Summer and then losing 20 pounds after nearly dying of a peanut allergy a month later, the Sixers’ first round pick is finally on his way back to the team. Last night, Smith made his second rehab appearance with the Delaware Blue Coats and is starting to show signs of his pre-poisined self.
In 19 minutes, Smith finished with 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists on 5-9 shooting from the field. It may not be the sexiest line ever, but but it definitely passed the eye test. Smith was a pest on defense, made a couple nice passes, and, most importantly, showed he can still jump like he’s wearing Moon Shoes.
In his 2nd #NBAGLeague game on assignment from the @sixers, @Zhaire_Smith dropped 12 PTS, 2 AST & 2 REB on 5-9 shooting from the field in just under 20 minutes of action 👏@TexasTechMBB ↗️ @sixers ➡️ @blue_coats pic.twitter.com/Q1QJSKQanx
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) March 5, 2019
This is a very exciting development as the Sixers prepare for the final stretch of the season. Playoff Zhaire Smith is a real possibility. After last night’s game, Smith said the Sixers have already informed him that he’ll rejoin the team once the G League season comes to an end.
Zhaire Smith says that the Sixers have indicated to him that he will join the team once the Blue Coats season is over #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) March 5, 2019
The G League season comes to an end on March 23, while the NBA season finishes up on April 10, meaning he could potentially play in about ten games with the Sixers before the playoffs get started. If Jonathan Simmons and James Ennis continue to struggle establishing themselves in the rotation, while Smith continues to look like the player the Sixers drafted, he could force the team’s hand. It should be fun to have some stake in the G League again.
