Ish Smith is getting the gift of playing time for Christmas. Dell Demps is trading the New Orleans Pelicans point guard to the Philadelphia 76ers for two second round draft picks. Smith played in 25 games last season for the Sixers, starting 14.
The Pelicans, ravaged by injuries to begin the season, claimed Smith off waivers after Philadelphia elected to pass. With the second-worst record in the NBA during 2014-15 the Sixers were ahead of New Orleans on the waiver wire and could have claimed Smith if GM Sam Hinkie so desired.