NBA Draft: Sixers Trade Russ Smith To Pelicans
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Louisville point guard Russ Smith with the 47th overall pick and their third overall pick in the second round (K.J. McDaniels – Clemson, Jerami Grant – Syracuse). But the Sixers immediately moved Smith to the New Orleans Pelicans for point guard Pierre Jackson.
Jackson was actually part of the Jrue Holiday trade in the draft last year as the no. 42 overall pick. New Orleans never played him, but he went to the D-League and dominated. He was league MVP and averaged over 29 points and 6 assists per game. Sixers GM Sam Hinkie may have just changed his mind on giving Jackson another chance to contend as back-up to Michael Carter-Williams, as opposed to hanging onto another rookie in Smith.
Russ Smith was a flat out scorer and gunner at Louisville. He’s a little guy that can really create his offense. In New Orleans he’ll likely compete as back-up to Jrue Holiday, but that’s not too bad of a gig considering the Pelicans’ youthful upside.
