The Memphis Grizzlies recalled guard Russ Smith from the NBA Development League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the team announced today. The Grizzlies acquired Smith and forward Jeff Green as part of a three-team trade with the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics on Jan. 12. Smith was assigned to Fort Wayne by New Orleans on Jan. 9.
Smith (6-0, 165) has averaged 15.1 points and 5.9 assists on .549 shooting in 24.9 minutes in seven games over three assignments for Fort Wayne, including five double-digit scoring efforts. The 23-year old totaled five points in 29 minutes in six appearances for the Pelicans this season.
Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round (47th overall) of the 2014 NBA Draft, Smith was acquired by New Orleans in a draft night trade. The New York City native spent four seasons at the University of Louisville (2010-14) where he held career averages of 14.3 points, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals in 24.3 minutes, leading the Cardinals to the 2013 NCAA Championship as a junior. In his senior year, Smith was selected on the 2014 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-America First Team.
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