Sixers rumors: Team interested in resigning Ish Smith as backup

By: Brandon Apter, managing editor

The Philadelphia 76ers haven't had stability at the point guard position for quite some time now. At the start of last season, they had hoped a combination of Tony Wroten, T.J. McConnell and Kendall Marshall would work, but Marshall didn't live up to the limited expectations that were there for him, McConnell was solid, but not extremely capable of a starting role on a daily basis and Wroten wasn't the same after his ACL tear from the previous season.

Enter Ish Smith. Philadelphia claimed Smith on waivers back in February 2015 and we all immediately saw a chemistry begin between the veteran guard and Nerlens Noel. Despite that duo showing some success, the Sixers opted not to sign him last summer. Since their 2015-16 point guard plans didn't work out, the team ended up sending two second round picks to the Pelicans to get Smith back around Christmas time.

Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Sixers have informed Smith they'd like him back in the fold for the upcoming season, but as a backup.

The point guard, who will become an unrestricted free agent at 12 a.m. Friday, has been informed of the Sixers' interest. The only thing is, they are looking at him in a backup role.

“I would like to come back,” Smith said. “Philly has been my home. The fans have been great. Everybody has been great.”

After losing 30 of their first 31 games last season, the Sixers posted a 6-9 record in the 15 games following Smith's return. In 50 games with the team, Smith averaged a career-high in both points per game (14.7) and assists per game (7.0). He becomes an unrestricted free agent at 12am on July 1.

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