Josh Smith. His name has come up in Sixers rumblings for weeks, but I never thought the Sixers had a real possibility of acquiring him for the simple fact that Hawks’ management can’t be dumb enough to let him go. Josh Smith as a Sixer next season may be a possibility.  It all depends on whether the Hawks want to be cheap this offseason or not.  Also keep in mind, the Hawks have Al Horford waiting in the wings at PF.

Smith is set to become a restricted free agent, which gives Atlanta the right to match any offer by another team.  The 22-year-old is having a ridiculous season: 18.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 3.3 BPG.  And he likes to beat up on the Sixers too: last night against the Sixers, Smith had 19 points, 9 blocks, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals — seriously, that’s his real stat line.

If the Sixers are able to sign both Smith and Iguodala in the offseason, they suddenly become a playoff team in 2008-2009 season.  Imagine this lineup next season:

1.) Center – Samuel Dalembert – 11.3 PPG / 10.1 RPG /2.4 BPG
2.) Power Forward – Josh Smith – 18.1 PPG / 8.0 RPB / 3.7 APG / 3.3 BPG
3.) Shooting Forward – Thaddeus Young – 9.2 PPG / 4.9 RPG / 1.6 APG *
4.) Shooting Guard – Andre Iguodala – 19.2 PPG / 5.6 RPG / 4.5 APG / 2.2 SPG
5.) Point Guard – Andre Miller – 16.6 PPG / 3.9 RPG / 6.2 APG / 1.1 SPG

* Stats from his previous 10 games.

That’s a formidable 5th or 6th seed team in the East next season. With three of their top players under the age of 23, their future will suddenly look bright.

If the Sixers could swing a deal with the Hawks for Josh Smith, it will certainly be worth it to trade Andre Miller to make it happen.

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