Zhaire Smith could be preparing for his NBA debut.
The 76ers guard has been recalled from Philadelphia’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, where he made his debut in February. He will be active for the 76ers’ game against the Cavaliers on Tuesday.
The team has recalled @zhaire_smith from @blue_coats. He will be available for tonight’s game vs. Cleveland.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 12, 2019
Head coach Brett Brown told reporters Smith is available and will almost certainly play in the fourth quarter.
Zhaire Smith is available tonight and he’ll almost certainly play in the 4th. Sixers should be up huge at home over an awful Cavs team that played last night. Perfect time to make your debut! pic.twitter.com/Y7NDqOLZy3
— Andrew Porter (@And_Porter) March 12, 2019
Philadelphia selected Smith with the 16th pick in the 2018 draft. But he suffered a foot fracture during the summer which required surgery.
Smith was expected to be back on the court in December, but his return was delayed because of serious complications from an allergic reaction, which cause him to lose “upward of 20 pounds,” according to a report from The Ringer.
Brown said he didn’t expect Smith to play for Philadelphia in 2018-19 at the time, but it appears his recovery has gone well.
Brett Brown doesn’t expect @zhaire_smith to play for the #Sixers this season. The hope is for him to play some games for the @blue_coats.
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) February 20, 2019
Smith, 19, averaged 5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in four games with the Blue Coats.
The 76ers enter Tuesday at 42-25 and are third in the Eastern Conference. They will tip off against Cleveland at 7 p.m. ET.
