Section 215
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 players the team needs to move on from

By Scotty Pierre

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 15: Zhaire Smith #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Pistons 106-86. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 15: Zhaire Smith #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Pistons 106-86. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Zhaire Smith (SG)

Zhaire Smith, the 76ers draft day acquisition in 2018 has been nothing short of a disappointment since being traded to the team for home-town favorite Mikal Bridges. Smith has spent more time injured and on the Delaware Blue Coats than he has on the 76ers game-day roster. Someone who was once compared to Kawhi Leonard by former head coach Brett Brown, is now looking from the outside in.

Smith was known as an extremely athletic two-way guard during his lone season at Texas Tech. When trading for him on draft night, the 76ers knew he would be a bit of a “project”. Brett Brown was a known advocate for Smith as he is rumored to be the one that pushed trading Bridges for the project.

In hindsight, Bridges would’ve been the better fit for this team as he has become a good “three and D” guy for the Phoenix Suns. A team like the 76ers would’ve benefitted from Bridges shooting ability compared to Smith’s false potential.

The 76ers attempted to trade Smith in February before the trade deadline but had no success. So why would the lack of suitors change this offseason after Smith couldn’t even travel to the bubble with the team due to a bone bruise in his left knee? It’s hard to say but you hope that he can be packaged as a sweetener in a deal involving offloading Horford’s contract. Worst case scenario is that Smith flounders out in the G-League and ends up un-rostered, let’s pray that’s not the case for him and for the 76ers.