The Philadelphia 76ers have had absolutely terrible luck over the last few years when it comes to the health of the guy they select in the first round of the NBA Draft. Whether it’s been Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, or Zhaire Smith, it seems pre-determined by a force more powerful than any human can fathom that they will miss a substantial period of time due to an injury.
Smith is the latest addition to this list, as the hyper-athletic guard suffered a fracture in his foot during a rookie camp in Las Vegas. Then, as he was working to recover from the surgery, an allergic reaction required him to undergo another procedure in September.
The Sixers finally gave an update on how he’s progressing following the setback and, unfortunately for Philadelphia fans, Smith won’t be able to take the floor any time soon. The team released a statement saying there’s no timetable on his return, but reports out of the City of Brotherly Love indicate we won’t see him until after the calendar turns to 2019.
Due to these complications Zhaire Smith has not yet resumed basketball related activities and his return to play timetable has been pushed back. He is unlikely to return prior to the new year, per a source. pic.twitter.com/jZQhnV1CKr
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) November 10, 2018
Per team source, Zhaire Smith suffered complications due to food allergy, which setback rehab from Jones fracture. Timetable pushed into 2019.
— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) November 10, 2018
Zhaire Smith is not expected to return during the 2018 calendar year, per a team source. He has not yet returned to basketball activity as a result of the procedure + complications stemming from his allergic reaction in September. Story to come.
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) November 10, 2018
If once is chance, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern, the Sixers have to be absolutely flummoxed about why this is the fourth time in five drafts that one of their first-round picks has suffered some type of major injury. Philadelphia will likely be content as long as Smith is healthy and able to contribute down the stretch and into the postseason, but at the very least, this is the most ridiculous trend in the NBA today.
