The Philadelphia 76ers have had a number of players over the years, both in good and poor times, who have left a lasting impression on the supporters despite their short careers. Ish Smith is one of them, having made a name for himself in the process age of Philadelphia. Following his two spells with the Sixers, Smith joins a few different clubs before finding a new NBA home with the Charlotte Hornets in front of the 2023–2024 campaign.
Prior to the Sixers becoming playoff regulars, they were typically bottom-feeders in the Eastern Conference. Prioritizing draft compensation and gaining higher odds in the lottery for better picks to build for the future, the Sixers ran through a ton of players just to fill out a roster. Smith was one of those prospects in 2015. After getting traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in February 2015, Smith was subsequently waived by the team on the day of the deal. Shortly after, he landed a contract with the 76ers.
That season, Smith appeared in 25 games. At the time, he achieved his career-high in scoring, posting 12 points per game while averaging six assists. The following season, Smith landed with the Pelicans for an actual run after getting signed and waived by the Washington Wizards following their preseason run
After a 27-game run in New Orleans, Smith was traded. For the second time, he landed with the Sixers in exchange for two second-round picks. His second stint in Philadelphia resulted in career-best accomplishments once again. Smith started in 50 games for Philadelphia, averaging 32 minutes of playing time. He thrived in his role, posting a career-high 15 points per game, along with collecting four rebounds and dishing out seven assists per outing.
When Smith’s contract expired at the end of the season, he joined the Detroit Pistons via free agency. Smith played for the Pistons over the next three seasons before joining the Washington Wizards for back-to-back runs. During the 2021-2022 season, Smith split his year with the Hornets and the Wizards. Last season, he appeared in 43 games with the Denver Nuggets. Although recognized as an NBA journeyman, playing for 13 teams in his career, Smith’s path paid off with an NBA Championship in 2023.
The former Sixer is returning to Charlotte after spending most of the offseason without a contract. Smith, a 35-year-old guard who entered the NBA as an undrafted rookie in 2010, offers a wealth of experience to a youthful team like the Hornets.
