Welcome Zhaire Smith

[CoreyGallagher]

I don't think its written in stone yet, but yeah basically they are saying as of now that it is in 2022 instead of 2021.

So its a blunder given we were after the HS draft right?

We don't even know if that made a difference in how the Sixer's FO viewed that pick, but if that is the main reason for them to want and trade for that pick then it would be a blunder on our part.

Well, the league sent a memo to teams prior to the draft that they were expecting the rule to change prior to 2021 or 2022 drafts and to plan accordingly. Then afterward, assuming due to discussions, it's now assumed 2022. They used what information they had - can't fault them too much for that. Could still be a lottery pick.

The NBA on Friday sent teams a memo indicating that "eligibility rules" for the draft may shift as early as 2021 (but no earlier) as the league reviews issues "related to player development and the corruption investigation in college basketball," according to a copy of the memo obtained by ESPN.

The memo does not mention the one-and-done rule by name, but it is meant to remind teams that the league and the players union could agree to scrap one-and-done before the expiration of the current collective bargaining deal in 2024 -- and perhaps well before then, sources say. The memo says that, as of now, the league does not expect changes in draft eligibility rules to take place at any time "prior to the 2021 or 2022 draft."

The memo serves as something of an advisory to teams that might think about trading away future first-round picks in the lead-up to Thursday's draft. "As we approach the NBA Draft on June 21," the memo states, "and the increase in trade activity that often accompanies it, please be reminded of this ongoing review and the possibility that the eligibility rules could change" between 2021 and 2024.

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/memo-nba-draft-eligibility-shift-2021/story?id=55929696

[76ciology]

So its a blunder given we were after the HS draft right?

We don't even know if that made a difference in how the Sixer's FO viewed that pick, but if that is the main reason for them to want and trade for that pick then it would be a blunder on our part.

Well, the league sent a memo to teams prior to the draft that they were expecting the rule to change prior to 2021 or 2022 drafts and to plan accordingly. Then afterward, assuming due to discussions, it's now assumed 2022. They used what information they had - can't fault them too much for that. Could still be a lottery pick.

The NBA on Friday sent teams a memo indicating that "eligibility rules" for the draft may shift as early as 2021 (but no earlier) as the league reviews issues "related to player development and the corruption investigation in college basketball," according to a copy of the memo obtained by ESPN.

The memo does not mention the one-and-done rule by name, but it is meant to remind teams that the league and the players union could agree to scrap one-and-done before the expiration of the current collective bargaining deal in 2024 -- and perhaps well before then, sources say. The memo says that, as of now, the league does not expect changes in draft eligibility rules to take place at any time "prior to the 2021 or 2022 draft."

The memo serves as something of an advisory to teams that might think about trading away future first-round picks in the lead-up to Thursday's draft. "As we approach the NBA Draft on June 21," the memo states, "and the increase in trade activity that often accompanies it, please be reminded of this ongoing review and the possibility that the eligibility rules could change" between 2021 and 2024.

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/memo-nba-draft-eligibility-shift-2021/story?id=55929696

Sure. I also thought it was a good gamble. But for now its assumed that the HS class to be the 2022 draft right right? Either way IDC Mikal or Zhaire is a wash to me.

[Kobblehead]

Mikal is better. Way more skilled as a shooter and has more useful size. That's besides the point because we shouldn't have selected Mikal at #10, in the first place.

[Negrodamus]

I also wouldn’t bet on the Heat being an absolute nightmare of a team in three years. There is a lot of variability with that pick. I think Brett just liked Zhaire Smith. I hope he’s right because I think he’s one of the more undesirable picks in the first round in my opinion. ESPECIALLY with SGA right there. It was a bit of a wasted opportunity.

[LloydFree]

Zhaire Smith wasn't my 1st choice at #10, but I much rather have Zhaire and a pick, than Mikal Bridges. But like mentioned above, they shouldn't have drafted either one of them at #10 in the 1st place. There were 3-4 better prospects than both, still available at #10, when they picked.

[ivysixer2000]

I also wouldn’t bet on the Heat being an absolute nightmare of a team in three years. There is a lot of variability with that pick. I think Brett just liked Zhaire Smith. I hope he’s right because I think he’s one of the more undesirable picks in the first round in my opinion. ESPECIALLY with SGA right there. It was a bit of a wasted opportunity.

Yeah I'm still a bit upset over SGA, but all we can do is hope at this point that things turn out well for us (didn't want Mikal). Getting the Miami pick sounds great til you think about now it seems that won't be the high school draft and the huge fact that the Heat will have cap space by then and guess what....they are in MIAMI, a players paradise.

[Filthadelphia]

I wanted to trade back from 10. Get Zhaire and Lonnie Walker. I got half of my dream draft to come true.....

[Aussiepiston1]

I'm rooting for Zhaire big time but I wanted Michael Porter Jr

[ivysixer2000]

I'm rooting for Zhaire big time but I wanted Michael Porter Jr

What's interesting is I really don't remember a single person on this site saying, 'I want Zhaire Smith!!', coming into this draft.

We only had to accept him and his 'upside' after the fact. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

[septahex]

I'm rooting for Zhaire big time but I wanted Michael Porter Jr

What's interesting is I really don't remember a single person on this site saying, 'I want Zhaire Smith!!', coming into this draft.

We only had to accept him and his 'upside' after the fact. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

there were a few before it came out that he was closer to 6'2 than 6'5.

[BullyKing]

I'm rooting for Zhaire big time but I wanted Michael Porter Jr

What's interesting is I really don't remember a single person on this site saying, 'I want Zhaire Smith!!', coming into this draft.

We only had to accept him and his 'upside' after the fact. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

That's also because we were talking about the 10th pick. We generally don't spend a lot of time talking about prospects that are expected to go in a range where we don't have a pick. I would not have been ok with Zhaire at 10 but perfectly fine with the gamble at 16.

[CoreyGallagher]

I'm rooting for Zhaire big time but I wanted Michael Porter Jr

What's interesting is I really don't remember a single person on this site saying, 'I want Zhaire Smith!!', coming into this draft.

We only had to accept him and his 'upside' after the fact. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

Read on Twitter

Were quite a few Sixers' fans on twitter that had liked him for a while, also a few posters here. However, as was mentioned, mock drafts and projections become clearer as the draft approaches. Assuming most believed that he was going later than where we were selecting and became less vocal.

[rzzzzz]

let's remember, the 2 guys Brett brought back for a closer look were Knox and Smith. plus he really wanted an attractive pick to throw into a trade, which i assume was exclusively focused on Kawhi. but tough to beat Toronto offering a current all-star. and Knox was gone one pick before us. right or wrong, Brett got one of the 2 guys he was really interested in, played the best hand he had for Kawhi and still has the future pick. time will tell, it didn't work out immediately like he wanted, but right now it doesn't seem boneheaded. if Zhaire can build on some decent shot mechanics and improve on his handle, his athleticism is stunning.

[ivysixer2000]

I'm rooting for Zhaire big time but I wanted Michael Porter Jr

What's interesting is I really don't remember a single person on this site saying, 'I want Zhaire Smith!!', coming into this draft.

We only had to accept him and his 'upside' after the fact. It will be interesting to see how this turns out.

Read on Twitter

Were quite a few Sixers' fans on twitter that had liked him for a while, also a few posters here. However, as was mentioned, mock drafts and projections become clearer as the draft approaches, so assuming most believed going later then where we were selecting and became less vocal.

Good call. All I was saying is that I didn't remember anyone who was jumping up and down for him at #10, now if you were then ok hopefully this will turn out well but the jury is definitely out and could be out for a long time.

Wanting him at #10 would say we got a steal at #16 with him, which from my point of view, didn't happen. Did you want him at #10 over Mikal and SGA?? Hopefully he turns out well, was just saying it wasn't some kinda steal unless he does develop into a player, which in his case could take a while.

[Stanford]

What's interesting is I really don't remember a single person on this site saying, 'I want Zhaire Smith!!', coming into this draft.

Apparently I need to be even more obnoxious.

[Kobblehead]

It's hard to have actually wanted Zhaire Smith. Kind of like OG from last year. If your team winds up getting him, it's cool and all, but not exactly exciting.

[LloydFree]

OG was different. That hack Mike Schmitz told everyone some BS about OG having an 8 foot wing span, on an early season podcast. So OG became everyone's "sleeper" prospect. Zhaire didn't have the luxury of being talked up, because DX doesn't know anybody who isn't already a good college player, ranked top 50 HS or hasn't played in the FIBA 18 an under tournament.

[MkPhilly]

Zhaire Smith was a bad pick, this would become much clearer in the next seasons... The trade was excellent, but the selection awful...

This is the first time that I can remember in which I'm not excited about our rookies at all. Maybe a little about Bolden, but that's all...

[Kobblehead]

All of our rookies have the chance to be quality rotation guys.

Shamet is a high IQ athlete that can shoot.
Smith is a high IQ athlete that can defend.

Milton is actually the most well-rounded of the trio in terms of pure game, but he's a pretty terrible athlete.

[Negrodamus]

OG you can actually see a path to being an important defensive role player, especially with his new found 3pt stroke. He can defend 1-4 with his unique size and mobility. I was scared of his knee injury, but that ended up not being too much of a concern.

If Zhaire can be a shut down defender on the opposing PG and can defend up to SF while having a decent stroke from deep, then he's a fine role player. I just don't see him locking up the Westbrooks and Irvings of the league.