Ish Smith, known for his quickness and agility on the basketball court, embarked on a professional career that saw him become a well-traveled player in the NBA. Born on July 5, 1988, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Smith played college basketball at Wake Forest University. His time at Wake Forest showcased his ability to handle the ball and distribute it effectively, skills that would become his calling card in the professional ranks.
Smith went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft but quickly found opportunities to prove himself. He began his NBA journey with the Houston Rockets, signing with them in August 2010. During his rookie season, Smith played in 28 games for the Rockets before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in February 2011. His stint with the Grizzlies was short-lived, as he appeared in only 15 games before being waived.
The following years saw Smith become a journeyman in the league, as he played for numerous teams, often on short-term contracts. After Memphis, he had brief spells with the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic during the 2011-2012 season. Despite the frequent changes, Smith's speed and playmaking ability kept him in demand as a backup point guard.
In 2013, Smith joined the Phoenix Suns, where he played for two seasons. His time with the Suns allowed him to showcase his skills more consistently, as he appeared in 70 games during the 2013-2014 season. Smith's ability to push the pace and create opportunities for his teammates made him a valuable asset off the bench.
Smith's career continued with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2014, followed by a move to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015. His tenure with the 76ers marked a period where he saw increased playing time and responsibility. Smith played 50 games for Philadelphia during the 2015-2016 season, averaging 14.7 points and 7.0 assists per game, both career highs. His performance with the 76ers demonstrated his capability to contribute significantly when given the opportunity.
After his time in Philadelphia, Smith signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016, but his stay was brief, as he was traded to the Detroit Pistons later that year. Smith spent three seasons with the Pistons, where he provided steady play as a backup point guard. His role with Detroit allowed him to bring energy and experience to the team's second unit.
In 2019, Smith joined the Washington Wizards, continuing his role as a reliable backup. Over two seasons with the Wizards, he maintained his reputation as a quick and efficient playmaker. Smith's ability to adapt to different team dynamics and contribute positively was evident throughout his time in Washington.
Smith's career journey took him to the Charlotte Hornets in 2021, bringing him back to his home state of North Carolina. His experience and leadership were valuable assets to the Hornets' roster. In 2022, Smith was traded to the Denver Nuggets, adding another chapter to his well-traveled career.
Throughout his time in the NBA, Ish Smith became known for his speed, ball-handling, and ability to run the offense effectively.
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