The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

February 17, 1998: "Mr. Smith Goes to Philly"

The Philadelphia 76ers acquired F Joe Smith and G Brian Shaw from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for G Jim Jackson and F Clarence Weatherspoon.

1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

Joe Smith, Phila.: $3.165 M

Brian Shaw, Phila.: $3.75 M

Jim Jackson, G State: $4.6 M

Clarence Weatherspoon, G State: $2.8 M

Notes:

• All are eligible for free agency this season.

Who got the better of the deal?

Neither ball club.

Why?

Golden State knew it couldn’t re - sign Joe Smith; so, they tried to make the best deal possible.  Looks like this was it.

Jackson, 27, gives the Warriors the scoring shooting guard they lost in the Sprewell saga.  Weatherspoon, 27, provides them with a solid low post scoring threat and consistent rebounding.  Spoon, 6’7, may be an short power player; however, he is much more of a physical presence than Joe Smith.

The key for the Warriors will be if they can re - sign them.  If not, they can use the extra salary - cap to try and acquire other free agents. However, it remains to be seen how many free agents will want to play for head coach P.J. Carlesimo.

Joe Smith is a 6’10 shooting forward. He prefers to take face up jumpers rather than bang in the low post. It will be interesting to see where Smith plays.  Will the Sixers move rookie Tim Thomas to shooting guard and start Smith at small forward? Or will the Sixers start Smith at power forward and move Derrick Coleman or Theo Ratliff to the bench.

The Sixers probably should send Coleman to the bench in order to see how the young nucleus of Smith, Thomas, Ratliff, and G Allen Iverson play together. Iverson was very pleased the Sixers acquired Smith who was once his teammate on a national 17-and-under AAU championship team.

"Joe Smith is a basketball player, a real good basketball player, one I'd love to have on my team," Iverson said, “I think the organization did a great job; I don't see how any trade could've been better.  Hopefully, Joe gives us the strength to be successful and we sign him this summer.”

However, Allen must prove he can get Smith and the rest of teammates involved in the offense (which he has yet to do in his 2 year career).

Brian Shaw, 6’6”, will give the Sixers the opportunity to play Iverson at scoring guard.  Shaw has the versatility to handle the ball and run the offense.  However, he has missed much of the season due to nagging injuries—hip, ankle, groin, etc.

The key to this trade for Philly will be their ability to re - sign Smith.  Many people are convinced Smith is not a franchise player. Consequently, he isn’t worth the $100 M plus contract he is expected to seek this summer