Summer Reading is a series on what each Philadelphia Seventy-Sixer needs to do this off season in order to bring the Sixers back to the playoffs in ‘07–08. Each member of the Sixers will get a reading list, we’ll start with Bobby Jones, and end with Andre Iguodala (Least minutes per game to most).
The Rub: When the Allen Iverson trade was made, Joe Smith the player wasn’t a consideration. Joe Smith the expiring $6.8M contract was the asset coveted by the Sixers. Honestly, when the deal was made I wasn’t even sure Smith would play a game in Philly. He was injured when they got him.
It’s funny how things turn out. By the end of the season, Smith was playing heavy minutes, and contributing a solid double-double just about every night. Smith thrived with playmakers Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala feeding him for his patented 15–foot jumper. The most surprising thing about Smith’s season was his tenacity on the boards. He was a hustle guy, scraping for every loose ball, and playing tough low-post D. In the month of April, he averaged 30 minutes/game 14.5 points and 9.0 rebounds.
Was he just playing for a contract? It didn’t look like it. Joe looked like he was having fun out there, playing the role of the sage veteran in the front court. I, for one, would like to see him back in Philly, on a one-year deal. I think the odds on this are probably slim, some team is going to offer him decent money for a couple of years. The Sixers would probably only offer him their veteran exception, but if I were Joe, I’d take it. He found a home in Philly during his second tour of duty, and he could be a valuable asset coming off the bench.
Up next: Kyle Korver
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we share the same thoughts about Joe Smith, I would give him even a 2 yrs deal for a reasonable price
he's a nice addition and I think some veterans are needed also in the locker room I mean, he seems the nice guy that liket to teach the youngsters how the league works
and with 3-4 rookies adding to an already young roster, a Joe Smith would be a real asset I think
BTW do you chech your mail, DF? or anyone who does it for you?
I have to ask you a quick thing but I don't know your account
sorry for the triple post
BTW you left the only one where I mispelled my own name LOL
take a look at my blog, if you want to change the part about your predictions just tell me and I will edit it
Oops, sorry about that Ricky. I'm filling in for Brian while he's away. He should be back early next week.