15 Non-Lottery Draft Pick Options for Atlanta Hawks

Zhaire Smith

A gifted, quick-twitch athlete who put his on talents on display in Texas Tech’s run to the Elite Eight, Zhaire Smith’s name has been bandied about as a mid-to-late first rounder in the 2018 draft.

Smith dominated the Big 12 with the Red Raiders, as he was 10^th in Player Efficiency Rating (22.9), 2^nd in offensive rating per 100 possessions (128.9) and 6^th in defensive rating per 100 (95.3). Some spectacular numbers, but will they translate?

With a 6’5”, 195-pound frame, Smith should immediately be able to come in and hound opposing players on the defensive end with his length and stellar athleticism. His development on the offensive end might take longer, as he didn’t show much knack for producing his own shot. Still though, he shot 45 percent from deep (on only 40 attempts), and good shooters at the two guard position will always at least merit a look at the NBA level.