Former Sixer Zhaire Smith is making a return to basketball

After being several years removed from playing in the NBA, former first-round pick Zhaire Smith is set to make his return to basketball.

Smith will be playing for the Air Raiders in this year’s “The Basketball Tournament.” The Air Raiders consist of Texas Tech Alumni, which is where Smith played his freshman season of college basketball.

🚨Breaking🚨 Zhaire Smith will take flight this summer for the Air Raiders. Welcome @zhaire_smith #RRR4L pic.twitter.com/1LviaHZTjV

— Air Raiders (@AirRaidersTBT) May 25, 2022

The Basketball Tournament features 64 open-application teams playing in hopes of winning a $1 million prize.

Philadelphia infamously traded for Zhaire Smith during the 2018 draft, sending eventual DPOY candidate Mikal Bridges to Phoenix. Following an underwhelming start to his career due to a life-threatening sesame allergy, the Sixers shipped Smith off to the Detroit Pistons for Tony Bradley before he was released a week later. During his time with the 76ers, he averaged 3.7 points per game on 38% shooting over 13 games.

It’ll be interesting to see if his performance in this upcoming tournament can jumpstart his NBA career. Smith is just 22-years-old, and could very well find his way back into the league if he can return to form.

Mandatory Credit: AP Photo