The wait was finally over for Russ Smith, 47th pick by Philadelphia in the second round of the NBA draft.
A huge roar from Philadelphia fans, Russ has made a name for himself, fans ready to embrace him in the City of Brotherly Love. Or were those his New York buddies from Brooklyn at the borough’s Barclay Center?
But wait.
Only to learn a few minutes later that he had been already traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a deal for guard Pierre Jackson.
The road to New Orleans a long circuitous rout for the University of Louisville consensus All-American. A fun place to play for a guy with a big heart, one who will take full advantage of the opportunity.
Passed over so many times by bigger players but few with as much innate talent and the desire to survive, succeed and win. No one has ever worked harder, so many workouts with so many teams.
Time to go prove himself all over again.
By Charlie Springer
Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.