Big Red Louie
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Louisville basketball: 3 NBA teams who should sign Russ Smith

By Jacob Lane

BEIJING, CHINA - NOVEMBER 14: Russ Smith ££2 of Fujian SBS in action during the 2017/2018 CBA League match between Beijing Beikong Fly Dragons and Fujian SBS at Beijing Olympic Sports Center on November 14, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Photo by XIN LI/Getty Images)
BEIJING, CHINA - NOVEMBER 14: Russ Smith ££2 of Fujian SBS in action during the 2017/2018 CBA League match between Beijing Beikong Fly Dragons and Fujian SBS at Beijing Olympic Sports Center on November 14, 2017 in Beijing, China. (Photo by XIN LI/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 05: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers is introduced prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 05: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers is introduced prior to the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Indiana Pacers

This may be a lazy pick considering that the Pacers are so close to Louisville, but I’ve always felt that Russ Smith playing in Indy would be a good thing for both parties.

The Pacers have always been a team willing to give roster spots to overachieving undrafted free agents or undervalued/unknown overseas commodities and an organization that spends time and money on developing talent through their G League system.

Injuries have been an issue for the Pacers over the last few seasons and while they’ve mostly been able to chart the waters when their stars and primary starters are out, they’ve been exposed at the end of their bench on multiple occasions.

That wouldn’t be the case with Russdiculous on the roster as he’s never struggled to score the basketball at any stop in his career. Whether it be playing for the Pacers in a bench role or becoming the primary player in Ft. Wayne, Smith is a clear fit for a team that values scoring, playmaking, and most importantly – defense.

Smith was dynamic in his short stint in the development league, playing 77 career games, never averaging below 18.1 points per game, notching multiple triple-doubles, and breaking a G League scoring record.

The Pacers will have two available two-way spots open this fall (contracts that allow players to play in both the NBA & G League) and could lose a couple of the players on the bottom of their roster to free agency.

Put Smith in Indy and I bet on any given night you’re bound to find a couple thousand Louisville fans – including me.

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