The New Orleans Pelicans are banged up at the point guard spot. Jrue Holiday is playing but on a 15 minutes a game limit until January, reserve point guard Norris Cole is out with a high ankle sprain, and Tyreke Evans just underwent knee surgery and is out six to eight weeks.
That leaves Nate Robinson and... Ish Smith.
That may be the case soon, reports Scott Kushner of the Advocate
Breaking: Sources indicate #Pelicans are nearing agreement to sign Ish Smith and he's currently in New Orleans. Waiting for waviers to clear
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) October 25, 2015
However, that’s if they get the chance.
For #Saints halftime tweeps: #Pelicans need Ish Smith to clear waivers to add him. #76ers reportedly might make claim, keeping Ish out of NO
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) October 25, 2015
Smith has bounced around the NBA in recent years having played for the Rockets, Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, Bucks, Suns, Thunder and Sixers. What he brings is quickness. Crazy speed. That makes him being a solid pick-and-roll defender, plus he gets you steals. However, that quickness has never translated on the offensive end where he struggles with his shot (career .421 true shooting percentage and 25 percent from three) plus he turns the ball over a lot more than you want out of a point guard.
He’d make a solid third point guard on a roster, but right now the Pelicans need him and will give him some run. The Sixers have arguably the worst point guard rotation in the NBA (them or the Nets) and Smith could help there as well.
The Pelicans could claim Smith off waivers (the Wizards just released him), but the Sixers would have first shot. If Smith clears waivers the Pelicans can give him their own deal, possibly a multi-year deal with team options.