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New York Knicks: Top 5 2018 NBA Draft targets before hiring head coach

By Maxwell Ogden

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during player introductions prior to their game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - MARCH 25: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on during player introductions prior to their game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional Final at CenturyLink Center on March 25, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 13: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on January 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated West Virginia 72-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 13: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders brings the ball up court during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers on January 13, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated West Virginia 72-71. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Age: 18 (6/4/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’5″, 195 pounds, 6’11”
Slash Line: .556/.450/.717
Season Averages: 28.4 PPG, 11.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 3PM

I’ve put my name on a bold claim that I’m willing to be wrong about: Zhaire Smith has superstar potential. A generational athlete with Gerald Green level explosiveness and Andre Roberson potential on defense, Smith should at least be a lockdown defender.

Coupled with advanced instincts for a player at this stage of their development, Smith has the foundation to become a star of the highest order.

Offensively, Smith is limited as far as what he can continuously do, but he already has a riveting foundation. He has excellent vision as a passer, is responsible with his shot selection, and has the natural ability to knock down open shots.

If Smith is willing to put the necessary work in to polish his fundamentals, then he could develop into a dynamic scorer and legitimate facilitator.

Defensively, Smith has the size, length, strength, and athleticism to defend multiple positions. Beyond the potential is what he’s already displayed the ability to do: Hound a ball-handler and literally rip the ball out of their hands.

Whether or not he maximizes his potential at the next level, Smith has all of the tools to be a perennial All-Star and All-Defense selectee.

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