Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons have quickly solved one of their biggest weaknesses last season: backup point guard. Detroit has agreed to a three-year contract with former 76ers starter Ish Smith, according to Rod Beard of the Detroit News. The deal will be worth $18 million, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Ish Smith agrees to 3-year, $18 million contract with Pistons, according to report
The former 76ers’ starter will now back up Reggie Jackson.
John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Smith is a journeyman point guard who really helped his stock during his time with the worst team in the NBA. He played well for Philadelphia during the 2014-15 season, but the 76ers still let him depart to New Orleans. With the Pelicans, Smith put together a surprising first month of the season after several Pelicans suffered injuries. He lost his starting job when they all returned, but the 76ers, desperately needing a point guard, acquired him back for two second-round picks. Smith then averaged nearly 14 points and seven assists in 32 minutes with Philadelphia, helping to provide some competency to their backcourt.
Now, he will spell Reggie Jackson in Detroit. Backup point guard was one of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses after the midseason trade of Brandon Jennings in a package for Tobias Harris. Steve Blake was on his last legs and often looked overmatched. Now, Van Gundy has a capable, speedy ball-handler that can push the pace on his second unit.
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