Adrian Fedkiw
The Philadelphia 76ers obviously need a point guard, haven’t made a splash as of yet and lost one of their own on the opening day of free agency.
Ish Smith is set to join his 10th NBA team, agreeing to a three-year, $18 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Smith, who was acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans for two second-round picks in December, averaged 14.7 points and 7.0 assists in 50 games with the Sixers last season. It was the 27-year-old’s second stint with Philadelphia. Although Smith verbally agreed to a deal with Detroit, contracts can’t be officially signed until July 7th.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Sixers do. Will they attempt to trade for an established point guard or an up-and-coming one, or will they remain patient, sign a stop-gap and land one in the point guard heavy 2017 draft?
One can only assume the #Sixers have a deal in hand for a PG after not contacting Ish Smith or drafting one
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 1, 2016
I’m a man of patience and the Sixers may potentially have a pair of top 10 selections next year and the chance of landing either Dennis Smith, Markelle Fultz, De’Aaron Fox, Lonzo Ball or Edmond Sumner. I say sign a veteran to start this year in the meantime, there’s no rush.