Getting Scary - Thursday, July 03, 2008
195 Views :: 0 Comments :: :: Michael Bradley

   Given the extravagant show the Sixers staged for restricted free-agent forward Josh Smith, it's pretty obvious college recruits aren't the only ones who like to be fluffed by their suitors. Lunch with the Mayor, a tour of the city and a truck full of cash were the main weapons in the Sixers' arsenal Wednesday when Smith came to town. Whether he stays is another story.

   Even though the Sixers have $11.5 million or so to spend on a free agent, Smith is restricted, which means the Hawks can match any offer Philly can tender. And because Atlanta owns the rights to Smith, it can add a year to the package, guaranteeing even more security for the young frontcourter. So, if Ed Stefanski offers five years and about $65 million, the Hawks can counter with six years and $81 mil. Not that Atlanta will go that high, since its offer topped out at $47 million or so last season.

   So, there is hope for the Sixers, even though Smith is not the right man down low for a team which wants to win in the playoffs, not just thrill during the regular season. Money talks louder than anything else in the NBA, and while Smith no doubt enjoyed speaking with Michael Nutter about the vagraries of urban government, he would much rather be communing with Grover Cleveland, the man whose face can be found on the $1,000 bill.

   But what if Smith doesn't come to Philadelphia? What if he goes back to Atlanta, his home town? That will mean trouble. Elton Brand is staying on the Left Coast. Emeka Okafor is Sammy Dalenbert with a moderately better offensive game. Andres Biedrins? Come on. If the Sixers don't win the Smith sweepstakes, Stefanski will need to get particularly creative. Rumors of a three-way deal, perhaps involving Andre Iguodala, have been circulating. Yes, Stefanski has options. But his first choice is already gone. Door Number Two is open but there isn't necessarily a friendly face waiting inside. Smith isn't perfect, but he's better than anything else out there.

   The drama continues, and Sixers fans had better hope it has a happy ending, because next year, Philly and its fat checkbook won't be the only free-agent game in town.