LAS VEGAS — A trend has surfaced during the Philadelphia 76ers’ Summer League stint. Nearly every time Zhaire Smith powers home a dunk, he seems to relish the play a bit more than normal.
He’ll direct a smile to the bench, snarl at opponents or celebrate with teammates. Even on nondescript slams, as if this is a new phenomenon for him. As if he’s savoring them, knowing the opportunity is finite.
Wielding world-class springy athleticism, dunking has long been second nature for Smith. But for a period of time last season, dunking, along with most other parts of life, didn’t come naturally.