Colangelo noncommittal on future of Smith
Jerry Colangelo will be the first to admit that Ish Smith has given the 76ers a boost. But does the team's chairman of basketball operations think Smith can be a long-term starting option at point guard?
Jerry Colangelo will be the first to admit that Ish Smith has given the 76ers a boost.
But does the team's chairman of basketball operations think Smith can be a long-term starting option at point guard?
Before this season, the 6-foot, 175-pounder had a tough time sticking with a team. Since the Sixers reacquired him on Dec. 24, however, he has averaged 15.9 points and 8.1 assists in 17 games heading into Wednesday night's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.
"Where he was picked [an undrafted free agent], because he's bounced around quite a bit, and it's a great story that finally maybe he's landed somewhere where he could do a lot more than fit that description or that role," Colangelo said. "And I think you always have to keep your options open on everything.
"I would say this. A month ago, we really had a big need. That need is a lot less today because of what he's shown he's capable of doing."
But Colangelo went on to say the coming NBA draft "is a draft of small, you know. It's not a draft of bigs."
So that's where things will get interesting in regard to Smith. The Sixers will weigh different factors and even discuss free agency.
"You look at not only the [2016] free agents, but '17, '18, and '19, and when do you really pull the trigger," Colangelo said. "When is it the right timing? So you just have to continually raise the boat. Lift the boat on all levels, and then make those decisions when it comes down to it."
Smith originally signed with the Sixers in February, 2015. The team chose not to re-sign him in the offseason.
Brand content
Elton Brand is in no rush to get on the floor.
The Sixers signed him Jan. 4 for the sole purpose of providing leadership in the locker room. And that's what he's content with doing.
"With me, I'm not trying to take anything away from the development of these young guys, getting these young guys looks," said Brand, a 17th-year veteran in his second stint with the Sixers. "I don't mind. Whenever you need me, I'm ready."
The Sixers have not needed him once. The matchup against the Hawks was the 13th game since the 6-foot-8 power forward was acquired. He has been active in only one of them. And that was because Jahlil Okafor and JaKarr Sampson were sidelined with flu symptoms.
"My first reaction is no, he doesn't need to get into a game to provide our team tremendous value," coach Brett Brown said. "He never needs to step onto an NBA court. He probably will, and he's been working and has been fantastic with his condition.
"It's just that the leadership he provides all over the place has nothing to do with 48 minutes. He's wonderful to have around all over the place."
The 36-year-old has been a mentor to Okafor, a rookie center. He's also quick to go over observations with his teammate during timeouts of games.
"I Just try to bring the coaching to the court," Brand said.
They're quick to listen because of his on-the-court resumé.
The Chicago Bulls made Brand the first overall pick in the 1999 draft. He played for five teams, with his last stop being with the Hawks the last two seasons. Brand has averaged 16.1 points and 8.6 rebounds during his career. - Keith Pompey
