Russ

Smith

The former Grizzly lit up the D-League this season and also set the scoring record with 65 points. The 25-year-old point guard averaged 27.9 points, 7.9 assists, 5.0 boards, 2.1 steals and 2.2 treys for the 87ers, and he could be an option for the Clippers since they could lose both Austin Rivers and Pablo Prigioni this summer. Expect to see Smith in the summer league.

Smith just hasn’t been able to earn consistent minutes at the NBA level, so he’ll be taking his talents overseas where he’s expected to start.

Smith has also worked out for the Blazers and Clippers and should be able to easily land on a summer league roster. Smith lit up the D-League this season with averages of 27.9 points, 7.9 assists, 5.0 boards, 2.1 steals and 2.2 treys.

He’s been ridiculous overseas in China, posting a four-game stretch with 70.8 points per game. Smith did show up back in the 2016 summer league, but he may just wind up being an international superstar due to being a little undersized.

Smith also hit the game-winning shot in double overtime against the Magic ‘Blue’ team on Tuesday, so it’s clear that he has enjoyed his time in Orlando. Smith finished the game with 15 points, nine assists, three steals and two 3-pointers, and he has been one of the nicest surprises in summer league so far. However, Smith will struggle to find consistent minutes in Memphis, so he isn’t an option in fantasy leagues.

Smith came off the bench but finished with a team-high 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting, two 3-pointers, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in 28 minutes of action. The outburst may turn a few heads but Smith, who has played 12 games in his NBA career, is obviously not on the fantasy map.

The Sixers have six picks in the draft and they opted to flip one for a more established player. Smith became Louisville’s all-time leader in steals during his four seasons and his defensive ability is central to his appeal as an NBA prospect. He added 18.2 points and 4.6 assists during his senior year, while shooting 38.7 percent from downtown, and was named to the AP All-American First Team.

Smith was one of the few bright spots for the Pelicans in their 105-74 loss to the Hornets. He had 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, and one steal in 26 minutes of action. Smith also committed five turnovers, but never seemed out of control when handling the ball. His chances at making the Pelicans roster remain in flux, but he competed hard and played well in his four Summer League appearances.

He put up 20 points in the opener and has been the quickest guy in the court in each game. Smith was selected in the second round and being undersized is going to hurt his chances to make the team. Although, the Pelicans losing out on Brian Roberts certainly makes it possible for him to make the team.

Smith has been yo-yoing in and out of the Grizzlies’ roster all season and this marks his sixth trip to the D-League, where he’s averaging 19.5 points, 4.9 boards and 3.7 assists for the Iowa Energy.