Zhaire Smith was born on April 6, 1999, in the United States. Growing up, he showed immense talent in basketball and quickly made a name for himself in the sport.
Smith attended Lakeview Centennial High School where he excelled as a basketball player. He was named District 10-6A MVP and was voted the best dunker in the Dallas region. His skills on the court caught the attention of college scouts, and he was soon on his way to playing at the collegiate level.
Smith played college basketball at Texas Tech, where he made a significant impact during his lone season with the team. He was a standout player, earning a spot on the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. His defensive prowess and overall skill set drew the attention of NBA teams.
In the 2018 NBA draft, Smith was selected as the 16th overall pick by the Phoenix Suns. However, he was quickly traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on draft night. This marked the beginning of his professional basketball career, and fans were excited to see what he would bring to the 76ers.
Smith comes from a basketball family, as his father, Billy Smith, played college basketball at Kansas State. He also has a sister named Aayinde who has been a source of support and encouragement for him throughout his journey in the sport.
After college, Smith signed with Roc Nation Sports, a prestigious sports agency that represents some of the top athletes in the world. This partnership opened up new opportunities for Smith and allowed him to further expand his brand off the court.
As Smith continues to grow and develop as a player, many are optimistic about his future in the NBA. With his defensive skills, athleticism, and work ethic, he has the potential to become a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers and make a significant impact on the league as a whole.