Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: 2018 NBA Draft sleepers to watch in NCAA Tournament

By Maxwell Ogden

LUBBOCK, TX - MARCH 3: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders defends the in bounds pass from Alex Robinson #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the game on March 3, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated TCU 79-75. Texas Tech defeated TCU 79-75. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - MARCH 3: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders defends the in bounds pass from Alex Robinson #25 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the game on March 3, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated TCU 79-75. Texas Tech defeated TCU 79-75. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
COLUMBIA, SC – JANUARY 27: South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) drives to the basket against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) during the first half between Texas Tech and South Carolina on January 27, 2018 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jim Dedmon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC – JANUARY 27: South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21) drives to the basket against Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Zhaire Smith (2) during the first half between Texas Tech and South Carolina on January 27, 2018 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jim Dedmon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Texas Tech Red Raiders play home to a number of compelling players and 2018 NBA Draft prospects. With all due respect to Jarrett Culver and Keenan Evans, the individual with the highest ceiling is freshman wing and athletic phenom Zhaire Smith.

Smith isn’t quite ready to play in the NBA, but he has Gerald Green level athleticism, Andre Roberson defensive potential, and the tools for a well-rounded offensive game.

It may seem like an exaggeration, but it’s rare to find a player with such natural athleticism as Smith. His current vertical isn’t yet officially documented, but the game film shows a player who not only plays above the rim, but kisses the sky.

Smith also has the speed and agility to break out in transition and move his feet well on defense, which creates unlimited two-way potential.

Beyond the physical gifts, what makes Smith so intriguing is the fact that he can legitimately lock opponents down on defense. Consistency will be key, but his defense is almost like offense in the way he attacks the ball and blows up entire possessions.

If the New York Knicks focus their energy on developing Smith, they could have a special player on their hands.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round before the 2018 NCAA Tournament

That may sound hyperbolic, but you can’t teach that level of athleticism. Every team in the 2018 NBA Draft should be aware.

Home/Knicks Draft