Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 3 potential packages for Davis Bertans

By Collin Loring

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 04: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 04: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Zhaire Smith
Washington Wizards Zhaire Smith (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Option #2: 76ers Add Some Much Needed Shooting

The trade: Zhaire Smith, Mike Scott, and a second-round pick for Davis Bertans.

From the moment the Philadelphia 76ers wrapped up free agency, it was clear their roster has some issues, even if it had a lot of big names. Newly acquired Al Horford suddenly had the best three-point shooting percentage on the team. That alone, should have scared a lot of 76ers fans.

And 39 games into the season, that’s pretty much the story. While Philadelphia may rank thirteenth among the league in three-point percentage (35.9 percent), they’re in the bottom half of the league in both attempts (25th) and makes per game (23rd), according to NBA.com

It’s long been known that the 76ers would need to add some shooting, and Davis Bertans presents a prime rotation piece that could provide a big boost going forward. In return? Philadelphia could offer up the salaries of Mike Scott and Zhaire Smith to match.

A pick may be required in this instance, as Scott would likely be a buyout candidate, and Smith hasn’t touched an NBA floor since April. But there’s still reason for Washington to be interested.

In his six-game stint thus far in the NBA, Smith is averaging 6.7 points on 37.5 percent from long-range. He may not be ready to compete on the 76ers squad now, but he has the potential to be a legitimate three-and-d wing down the road.

The last time Smith was on the court for the 76ers, they walked away with a win over the Chicago Bulls thanks to 17 points and 5 assists from Smith. This performance is a glimpse of what the 20-year-old could become.

Even in the beginning of the game, with Philadelphia up big, Smith displays a complete willingness to move the ball to the open man. You don’t see that a lot with some of the younger prospects who’ve seen limited floor time. Instead of trying to steal the spotlight, though, and get his, Smith worked within the flow of the offense.

Smith’s finishing at the rim leaves a lot to be desired, both on the open dunks and layups through traffic. His jumpshot mechanics show promise, but it’s apparent those will need time before he is a reliable knockdown shooter. Fortunately enough, Washington has the time and is willing to develop their young guys.

At least more so than the 76ers.

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