New York Knicks: Key revelations from 2018 NBA Draft Combine

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Kevin Knox poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LUBBOCK, TX – MARCH 3: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders goes to the basket during the first half of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs on March 3, 2018 at United Supermarket Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

Zhaire Smith Is A Shooting Guard

Daily Knicks previously pegged Texas Tech Red Raiders star Zhaire Smith as a perfect fit at small forward. Following the 2018 NBA Draft Combine, however, it’s become abundantly clear that Smith is more of a 2 who can switch on to 3s.

That doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be considered at No. 9 overall, but the New York Knicks should acknowledge that he’d be better at shooting guard.

Smith is every bit the athlete one expected him to be, as evidenced by his 41.5″ max vertical leap. He also posted the second-fastest time of any player in the Three Quarter Sprint, which proves how dangerous he can be in transition.

Standing at 6’2.75″ without shoes and 6’4″ in shoes, however, the odds of Smith playing anything other than guard are admittedly slim.

A 6’9.75″ wingspan should help Smith make the transition to the NBA as a high-level defender with lockdown potential. His instincts as a player and overall versatility should help, as well, but it’s quite clear that he’s best for the backcourt.

The Knicks should still consider drafting Smith and his superstar potential, but they should do so knowing he’d be better off as a 2.

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