Player Bio

Zhaire Jahi-ihmi Smith was born in Garland, Texas, to Andrea and Billy Ray Smith. His father played college basketball for Kansas State. Zhaire has a sister named Aayinde. He attended Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland. Smith averaged 20.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as a senior, earning District 10-6A MVP honors. Coaches also voted him the best high school dunker in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Learn more about Smith by following him on Twitter and on Instagram (@zhaire_smith). Smith spent one season with Texas Tech in 2017-18. The high-flying 6-foot-5 guard came off the bench for the first 15 games, but he scored in double digits in 12 of those games. He started the majority of the Big 12 conference schedule and had a pair of 20-point games, including 21 points (on 7-for-8 shooting) and eight rebounds in a win over Iowa State. On the season, Smith averaged 11.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks. The Red Raiders advanced to the Elite Eight and the guard had 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the second-round win over Florida. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team and the All-Defensive Team. Although he initially entered the 2018 NBA Draft without hiring an agent, his draft stock assured him a place in the first round and he went pro after one season with Texas Tech. Smith was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns in the 2018 NBA Draft, but he was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on draft night.