Sixers Acquire Point Guard Ish Smith, Release Tony Wroten

The 76ers have officially acquired Ish Smith from the Pelicans in exchange for two second-round picks, the team announced through a press release. In somewhat of a surprising move, the Sixers waived Tony Wroten in order to make room for Smith on the roster.

Smith, a five-year veteran, has appeared in 27 games this season and is averaging nine points, six assists and under two turnovers in 23 minutes per game. He is fifth in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.42-to-1), sixth in assists per 48 minutes (12.0) and ranks among the top 20 in assists per game. He is currently the only player in the NBA this season who has at least 150 assists while committing 45 or fewer turnovers.

The point guard was a favorite of Nerlens Noel last year and during his final two months in Philly he really shined, compiling averages of 12.8 points, 3.0 boards, 6.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game.

The addition of Smith gives the Sixers much need stability at the point guard position, a spot that has been a disaster all season long.  Kendall Marshall, who is just coming back from ACL surgery, played 24 minutes on Wednesday, scoring five points with seven assists, one 3-pointer but had six turnovers and still isn't ready to play a full game yet.

This move seems the doing of Jerry Colangelo, giving up two second round picks, something Sam Hinkie has not be willing to do.

The surprise is that the after his return from ACL surgery, the Sixers gave up on Wroten, who was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.  Wroten was the team's leading scorer last year averaging 16.9 points, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

By trading two second round picks, the Sixers have no second round picks in 2016 or 2017.