PHILADELPHIA - Both Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie and the New Orleans Pelicans have confirmed the deal which sent the the draft rights to guard Russ Smith, the 47th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, to New Orleans in exchange for the rights to guard Pierre Jackson.
Smith (6-foot, 165) recently completed his senior season at the University of Louisville, becoming the only player in program history with at least 1,800 points, 350 assists and 250 steals. Over the course of his career, he led the Cardinals to two Big East Tournament titles, the American Athletic Conference Tournament title, two NCAA Final Fours and a school-record 35 wins in 2012-13 en route to the NCAA Championship.
In his senior campaign, the unanimous all-AAC first team member averaged 18.2 points, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals on his way to being named a consensus All-American. He guided Louisville to the AAC Championship and garnered AAC Championship Most Outstanding Player honors by averaging 25.7 points, 3.7 assists and 2.7 steals in the tournament.
As a junior, Smith helped Louisville win an NCAA Championship and earned All-Big East First Team accolades with averages of 18.7 points, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals. He averaged 22.3 points and 2.5 steals per game in the Cardinals’ six NCAA Tournament contests.
Over the course of four seasons, Smith appeared in 133 games and averaged 14.3 points, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals. He completed his career as the school’s all-time steals leader (256) and finished second in free throws (488).
The Pelicans entered Thursday night without a draft pick because of last year's trade with the 76ers that involved point guard Jrue Holiday. As part of that deal, the Pelicans also acquired Jackson, who played in Europe and in the NBA Development League this past season.
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