Philadelphia 76ers welcome Javonte Smart to their roster
By Abin Thomas
On Sunday, the Philadelphia 76ers announced the signing of point guard Javonte Smart. At age 24, Smart has amassed a portfolio of experience across multiple teams. His trajectory in the 2021-22 season is particularly commendable, evolving from an undrafted rookie at LSU to roles with franchises like the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. His commitment to the game was further underscored by a stint with the G League, eventually leading him to a full-season commitment with the G League’s Birmingham Squadron in 2022-23.
Smart’s potential was palpable during his tenure with the 76ers’ summer league roster this past June. In a span of eight games, he delivered compelling averages: 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals. While his NBA-level exposure, spanning 17 games with a start, has seen him averaging 3.0 points across 11.8 minutes, his G League statistics are notably robust with career averages that include 16.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals.
The intricacies of Smart’s contract with the 76ers remain under wraps. However, sources from various media outlets suggest he’s secured an Exhibit 10 deal. This type of contract typically manifests as a one-year minimum-salary agreement, with the added flexibility to be transitioned into a two-way contract as the season’s commencement looms.
The acquisition of Smart appears a clever strategy.
This move emphasizes minimal risk for potentially significant returns. At 6-foot-4, this point guard has exhibited a myriad of attributes poised to fortify the 76ers’ lineup as the season unfolds. With a diversified scoring arsenal, he boasts an average of 15.1 points per game in the Nike EYBL with a 46.4% shooting accuracy. Impressively, his proficiency extends beyond the arc, having shot 40% from the three-point range in Nike EYBL and 43.5% in Adidas Nations. Since his college days, he’s refined his shooting, mastering both stationary shots and those off the dribble, needing minimal room to unleash his shot. His ball-handling finesse, coupled with his ability to craft offense against fortified defenses, is a testament to his skill set. With agility and intuition, he often evades defensive traps and effortlessly shifts pace, remaining cool-headed in the face of opposition.