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Four Possible NBA Draft Steals for the Atlanta Hawks

By Chris Guest

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the game against the Wofford Terriers on November 22, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Wofford 79-56. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders handles the ball during the game against the Wofford Terriers on November 22, 2017 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Wofford 79-56. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 25: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 25: Zhaire Smith #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders /

Zhaire Smith

Though Zhaire Smith out of Texas Tech is projected to be selected in the late lottery, many outlets have him ranked beneath that lofty number. If he falls far enough, the Hawks would do well to add another high-upside, defensive-minded wing to their roster.

When it comes to the draft, selecting the best player available is usually a thinly veiled way of saying “the most athletically gifted player available” – especially when it comes to lottery picks.

Smith would perfectly match this description as he is a nuclear athlete capable of creating momentous highlight plays like this insane 360 dunk in the NCAA Tournament:

Smith can also employ that quick-twitch athleticism in more sound ways as a gifted defensive stopper. The freshman showcased excellent defensive instincts on the perimeter against like-sized players and his skill set could scale up to larger players as well. Smith was the defensive anchor for a Texas Tech that was 4th in defense in Division 1, and his block and steal rates were sky-high – along with an exceedingly low foul rate.

With the requisite length and quickness to guard multiple positions, Smith should make for an eminently switchable wing in the modern NBA’s switch-heavy defensive schemes.

As with many gifted athletic freaks coming out of college, there are questions about his jump shot as well as his passing instincts. His offensive feel is not as polished as his defensive chops, something that a development-focused team (like the Hawks) should be able to work through during his early seasons.

Smith looks to be a top-flight prospect, and it is unknown how high teams have him ranked. If there’s no consensus, however, and he’s still available at 19, the Hawks should not hesitate to select this gifted freshman with a skill set that could make him a defensive savant.

Next: 4 Free Agents in Playoffs Hawks Should Target

Stay tuned for more NBA Draft coverage as it pertains to the Atlanta Hawks, and, don’t forget, the NBA Draft Lottery is less than a week away!