The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Ish Smith Can Dish

By Bret Stuter

Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) drives the ball to the basket as Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends during the second quarter of the game at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ish Smith (1) drives the ball to the basket as Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends during the second quarter of the game at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) shoots the ball against the Missouri Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jamal Murray (23) shoots the ball against the Missouri Tigers in the second half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

It Would Be, Just Like Starting Over

But drafting for a starter on a stretch for a particular player or even just to fill a need would created problems for the team. Prospects need minutes to learn, improve, and build their skills. But this team has endured those growing/groaning pains for the past three years. For right now, where this team is, with a clear starter and a young rookie prospect on the roster with proven upside, would it be progress to step back and redirect precious game minutes to a newcomer who needs to learn the team, his coach, and his role? Right now this pair of point guards on the roster is clicking well, very well.  If the team wants legitimate play and production, they have Ish Smith.  If the team wants to focus on the future, they have a surprising talent of T.J. McConnell

For the team to use a draft pick on a potential replacement for either spot, he had better be an outstanding talent with ceiling somewhere is outer space.  Right now, I don’t know if that makes sense for the team.  Perhaps if the team has the opportunity to emerge from the NBA draft with Ben Simmons and converts him to the point guard role, it could make some sense down the road. How often can a team have an opportunity to hit on a point guard with a frame of Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson?

ALSO ON SIXER SENSE: Why The Philadelphia 76ers Shouldn’t Trade The Lakers Pick 

Dreams and aspirations. That’s what an NBA draft brings to a team hopeful for a turnaround. A turnaround like the one Ish Smith has brought to his Philadelphia 76ers. Ish Smith might not be the most accurate shooter on the team, but Ish Smith can dish the ball around. For Brett Brown and Mike D’Antoni, that makes him the best point guard for the team right now.  And right now, the Sixers are turning the corner.