Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2018: Top 10 players that’ll have the best NBA careers

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Picks one through 30 are seen on the board at the conclusion of the first round during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Picks one through 30 are seen on the board at the conclusion of the first round during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 21: Zhaire Smith poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 16th overall by the Phoenix Suns during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 21: Zhaire Smith poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted 16th overall by the Phoenix Suns during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3. G/F Zhaire Smith – Philadelphia 76ers

College: Texas Tech

Draft night was an interesting scenario for the former three-star recruit out of high school. He was originally drafted No. 16 to the Phoenix Suns before being traded along with a future first-round to the 76ers for Mikal Bridges. Smith ended up going from one of the worst teams in the NBA to the one with arguably the brightest future.

The 6’5 wing will be a huge asset for the 76ers. He can reasonably play and guard three different positions in the NBA, which is huge considering who he’s playing with. Ben Simmons is essentially a 6’9 point guard, while Fultz still figures to be part of their plans for the future. JJ Redick probably will be gone along with Marco Belinelli, so the 40% shooter from three-point range at Texas Tech will provide needed floor spacing.

Even if a small forward like Paul George does come around, Smith can play the shooting guard position if Fultz still has issues going into next year. The difference with Smith and Bridges is versatility, an area Philadelphia wants to have an abundance of.

I have Smith ranked this high is my belief that his floor is as high as any others in this draft. Even if his offense isn’t great, his ability to defend will keep him on the court. And if he averages over 20 ppg, a max contract could come his way due to the value he brings.

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