Well, Shit: Sixers Rookie Zhaire Smith Out Indefinitely With A Fractured Foot

Yahoo – It’s not exactly a grand tradition, but the Philadelphia 76ers’ first-round draft pick suffering an injury before even reaching his first professional training camp has become something of an annual occurrence all the same. The Sixers announced Tuesday that this year’s top selection, No. 16 overall pick Zhaire Smith, extended the grim custom during an offseason skills workout out west: Rookie guard Zhaire Smith suffered a left foot injury during Tim Grgurich’s development camp in Las Vegas on Monday. He is returning to Philadelphia to be further evaluated and updates will be made available once a diagnosis is determined. Specifics were initially scarce, but Yahoo Sports’ Shams Charania reported Tuesday afternoon that fans’ fears were warranted: the injury suffered by the 19-year-old is a literal bad break.

And there it is. A Sixers rookie tradition like no other. Another Philadelphia 76er drafted and then hurt almost immediately (or selected injured already).

2013 – Nerlins Noel – 0 games played (ACL)
2014 – Joel Embiid – 0 games played (Foot)
2015 – Jahlil Okafor – Fought with hecklers in the streets, had gun pulled on him in Olde City, caught going Ludicrous Speed over the Ben Franklin bridge (Bum)
2016 – Ben Simmons – 0 games played (Foot)
2017 – Markelle Fultz – 14 games played (Shoulder)
2018 – Zhaire Smith – Out indefinitely (Foot)

Too late to renege and trade back for Bridges? Of course it’s a Jones fracture, which is the same foot injury Ben Simmons suffered his rookie season. Kevin Durant suffered the same deal, too. Zhaire should be OK, but man oh man. Not the best way to start your NBA career.

Just gotta keep on trusting, baby. The Sixers are destined for 54.5 wins for a reason (good GOD that’s a high o/u)

Let’s do it and cue it.