New Orleans Pelicans Recall Russ Smith from D-League

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Published: December 20, 2014

Per the New Orleans Pelicans:

The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has recalled rookie point guard Russ Smith from the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League.

In his recent assignment, the second of the season, Smith, 6-0, 185, appeared in four games for Fort Wayne, averaging 17.5 points, and 7.8 assists. Overall, Smith has appeared in six games with Fort Wayne, averaging 16.5 points, 6.2 assists and 1.8 steals.

Smith has appeared in three games for New Orleans, averaging 0.3 rebounds per game. Smith appeared in six preseason contests for the Pelicans, averaging 5.0 points, 1.2 assists and 0.8 rebounds.

Drafted out of the University of Louisville by Philadelphia with the 47th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, Smith was acquired by New Orleans in a draft night trade.

Smith will be in New Orleans and available for tonight’s home game against Portland.

The last time Smith was recalled, it was due to the Mad Ants having time without games.

The Mad Ants play tonight, but not again until the 27th. The Pelicans have 4 games in that span: Trail Blazers (New Orleans), Thunder (Oklahoma City), Pacers (Indianapolis), Spurs (New Orleans). The team also just released point guard Gal Mekel (and this move does not affect the roster spot . . . Smith’s spot is held, just with him as inactive for the games when he is assigned to the D-League). With Evans potentially playing, but potentially not, a little insurance is a fine thing.

Smith should also get some work with the team while he’s in town.

Welcome back, Russ.

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