Fansided

Ish Smith traded to Philadelphia 76ers: Winners and losers

By Charles Rahrig V

Nov 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith (4) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 120-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Ish Smith (4) reacts against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 120-114. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Dec 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans clearly overachieved as a team last season. This year injuries and a lack of talent has led the Pelicans to one of the worst records in the NBA to begin the season.

The franchise has their superstar of the future in Anthony Davis, but it is clear that they don’t have the necessary young talent around him to go far enough to be true contenders. The roster isn’t even good enough to contend for a playoff spot at this point.

The Pelicans are probably aware that they’re going to need some more young, high-end talent, if they’re going to be competitive in this league going forward. The good news is that with the way their season is going this year, they should be in the market for a top pick in the draft, which they can pair alongside Davis for many years to come.

By trading Ish Smith to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Pelicans realize that they need to get more assets for the future and keep an eye on the big picture. While they got two second-round picks in return, which could very well amount to nothing, they have the possibility of being higher second-round picks, depending upon when they get them.

Still, assets are great for trade ammo and it’s better to have them, than to not. The Pelicans’ season was going south in a hurry, but they are taking the right step in recouping assets for the future and getting something out of the 76ers for Smith.

Next: Phoenix Suns

Home/NBA