The Detroit Pistons need to find a valuable player with their second-round pick. Texas Tech freshman guard Zhaire Smith would be a great option.
The Detroit Pistons will have the 42nd overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.
Yes, it’s that time of year. We’re a little over a month away from the draft and my favorite team isn’t in the playoffs. In turn, this is what I’m going to write about.
There’s something about drafts in professional sports that give fans hope like nothing else. There’s that faint chance that whoever your favorite team selects could end up being the next Michael Jordan.
Well, maybe with a first-round pick. It’s slim picking in the second round.
There are a lot of good players in the NBA that have been second-round picks. Paul Milsap, Manu Ginobli and Draymond Green are just a few good examples.
Scouting will be important this year. The Pistons have missed out on some great talent in the past. It’s especially important because this is currently their only draft pick.
After looking at some mock drafts (I am not an NBA Scout), there are some interesting players that could land in Detroit’s lap at the 42nd pick.
Detroit Pistons should give Zhaire Smith a look
Let’s start off with Texas Tech freshman guard Zhaire Smith.
The above video points out some intriguing aspects about Smith’s game and where it could go.
The first thing that comes to mind is that Smith is an all-around player that values both sides of the floor. He averaged 11.7 points and five rebounds per game.
Smith’s 6-5, 195 frame followed up with his athleticism allows him to play around the rim and get high percentage looks. He shot 55 percent from the field last season as a result.
Smith doesn’t shy away from the three point line either. He shot 45 percent from long range.
Can this translate?
Going forward, I think Smith can be a good NBA player. The video above lists some of Smith’s weaknesses as he looks to take the next step:
- Play-making ability
- Shooting off the dribble
- Ball Handling
I believe the first one won’t be much of an issue given his natural athleticism. Shooting off the dribble and ball handling isn’t much of a problem when that isn’t his game.
If Smith continues having a high motor and playing within his current boundaries, I don’t see him having an issue improving his game as an NBA player.
The end of the video gives a comparison of his game to what Jason Richardson was. That wouldn’t be all that bad!