Sixers don't waste any time The team contacted Hawks forward Josh Smith just as the free agency period opened. By Joe Juliano Inquirer Staff Writer With more than $11 million in salary-cap space available, the 76ers dove into free agency shortly after the bell rang at 12:01 a.m. yesterday and targeted Josh Smith, the young and talented forward of the
Atlanta Hawks, as their primary prospect, but not their only one. The 6-foot-9 Smith, a restricted free agent, was contacted by the Sixers almost immediately. A team spokesman said Smith and his representatives planned to meet today with president and general manager Ed Stefanski. The spokesman also said the Sixers contacted Smith's teammate, 6-8 forward
Josh Childress, yesterday and expect to bring him to Philadelphia, but did not say when. Brian Dyke, the agent for Smith, confirmed that he met yesterday with the Hawks, who have the right to match any offer made by the Sixers or any other team. Dyke refused to say how many teams had contacted him about Smith. Stefanski was not available for comment. Smith, 22, the Hawks' first-round draft choice in 2004 (No. 17 overall), has averaged 13.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots in his four seasons. He helped lead Atlanta to its first playoff berth since 1999 last season, averaging a career-best 17.2 points along with 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. Smith is a ferocious shot-blocker, having finished second to Denver's
Marcus Camby in each of the last two seasons. He can run the floor and finish, making him a good fit for the Sixers' up-tempo style. He's also adept at scoring in the low post, but sometimes takes too many perimeter shots. He made 45.7 percent of his field-goal attempts last season but just 25.3 percent (25 of 99) from three-point range. Smith turned down a $45 million contract extension before the start of last season. The Hawks apparently would be in a bind to match any offer from the Sixers because of big contracts they are paying to
Mike Bibby ($15.2 million next season) and Joe Johnson ($14.2 million). They also hope to resign Childress. But the Hawks energized the city of Atlanta by making the playoffs and taking the eventual NBA champion
Boston Celtics to seven games, and have vowed to do all they can to keep Smith and Childress there. Childress, 25, averaged 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds last season, his fourth in the NBA with the Hawks. The Sixers also were believed to have an interest in veteran
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Elton Brand, but declined comment on whether they had contacted him. i have more than onelink proving that this is truely happening comcastsportsnet.com also has a similar article BRING THEM IN EDDIE!
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