Ericb5 wrote:ankle420breaker wrote:Kobblehead wrote:I suspect part of the reason we drafted Smith was because he could function as a star G stopper in the playoffs right away.
If Zhaire has a normal timetable for recovery, I think they'll still use him this year as a specialist in the postseason.
Totally agree his ability to guard quicker guards and wings played a huge factor into why we drafted him.
If healthy, he'll be on Kyrie/Rozier duty come the playoffs.
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Is he better prepared for that role than Justin Anderson was last year? As a rookie I’m not so sure.
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JA was improving on his 3pt shooting, if not for a few nagging injuries that held him back. He defended D Wade very well in the playoffs. Hope he does well in Atlanta.
Zhaire struggled at creating his own shot, mainly forcing into double teams and shot blockers. Things he should learn to avoid with more experience.
However, Zhaire showed a natural ability to find open spaces for lobs, rebounds, and steals. An off ball player that can hit open 3s and provide above average team defense. Also, he seems to be a good passer, too.
The trade looks worse now that Zhaire got injured, but Zhaire definitely could be a very good prospect, plus the unprotected pick seems equal or more potential value than another very good prospect, Mikal.