Incredibly, Smith played more than any of the nine Pelicans players who suited up despite having been claimed off waivers a day earlier.
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The amount of the deal was undisclosed, but ESPN reported that it will only be “fully guaranteed until January 10th”, which means that the 27-year-old journeyman may or may not stay with the Pelicans once a few of their injured players return from their respective setbacks.
This comes in the wake of the recent injury news that the Pelicans will be without Tyreke Evans. So Smith’s addition will not require any other roster moves. But there is a possibility. Smith was waived by the Washington Wizards on Saturday. That dropped the Pelicans to 14 roster spots filled, one short of the National Basketball Association maximum. Norris Cole, the team’s backup point guard, is dealing with a high ankle sprain.
After all, with New Orleans clearly trying to ease Holiday back into the action, Smith could spare him the grind of defending the talented guards of the West and perhaps New Orleans would benefit from Holiday taking on a sixth man role. While he’s unlikely to be a difference-maker this season, he’s a veteran stop gap until the Pelicans’ guards get healthy.
The 6-foot, 175-pound point guard will help provide experienced depth to an injury-riddled Pelicans backcourt.
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The New Orleans Pelicans will try to get their first victory of the season on Wednesday night when they play the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center.
