DENVER (AP) – Ish Smith has fit in for 13 different NBA teams — nearly half of the league — during his 13-year career.
The No. 13 Denver Nuggets have proven really lucky for the longtime point guard whose journey included seven trades, six releases and two early G-League stints.
The path well traveled by Ish (full name: Ismail) led him here, his way First NBA Finals As the Nuggets sit just a win away from their first franchise championship. Going 3-1 in Miami, the team can clinch Monday Night at home in Game 5.
Never mind that Smith, who turns 35 next month, hasn’t played much in the playoffs — or in the All in the finals. He’s content to get the best seat in the house on the bench and do what he’s always done well – cheer him up. He became a kind of helpful presence and a voice that reverberated throughout the locker room.
“When you have veterans who are really selfless and not worried about them saying, ‘Hey, I’m not in the playoffs,’ but are still invested in the team and the team’s success and are willing to use their voice in a positive way, that’s really touching,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone.
Smith broke into the league in 2010 with the Houston Rockets as an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest. One of his teammates at the time was Heat guard Kyle Lowry, who to this day still affectionately refers to Smith as “Rock”—short for rookie.
“He’s a tenacious guy. He wasn’t the greatest shooter, he wasn’t the greatest, but he found a way to find a niche in this league and find a niche on every team he was on,” Lowry said. “And to be a great veteran, a great veteran presence, And a great positive vibe for every team he played for.
“Thirteen is a lot of teams, but clearly he did his job. … He did something right.”
In addition to Houston and Denver, Smith’s 30-team NBA tour includes stops in Memphis, Golden State, Orlando, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Detroit, Washington and Charlotte. He appeared in 43 games during the Nuggets regular season. In the finals, his role is reduced to more of a catalyst.
Other wise veterans also weigh in.
There’s DeAndre Jordan, 34, Reggie Jackson, 33, and Jeff Green, 36, who’s an integral part of the second unit. The Nuggets have won twice in a row since he hosted the team’s dinner at his Miami home before Game 3.
“When they talk, everybody listens because if you listen to them, you can hear some really clever things that can help you play the game,” said Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets’ do-it-all center. “I really appreciate them and really thank them.”
more his careerSmith has held every type of role (he started 50 games for Philly in 2015-16 when he averaged a career-best 14.7 points) and has worn 10 different uniform numbers. His favorite is No. 14, which is his current number.
Somewhere, Smith has his huge collection of shirts from the past. they Maybe at his mother’s househe thinks, for safe keeping – considering all the moves he’s made.
One day, he will bring them together. But it is not framed and put on the wall.
“It’s just a narcissistic vibe, like I’m celebrated,” Smith said.
Instead, his plan is to celebrate others in the form of themed walls around his home. On one wall, he wears the uniforms of the players from North Carolina, a tribute to his Charlotte roots.
Another wall will be reserved for veteran players he has crossed paths with (like Jordan and Green in Denver). The third wall will feature tributes to the Wake Forest estate (think: Muggsy Bogues, Chris Paul, Tim Duncan).
Finally, the Championship Wall, which he hopes will feature everyone on this Nuggets list.
“It was fun. I can’t even lie to you. Usually you don’t say that when you’re not playing and you’re in a lead role,” said Smith. “It was really fun.”
The secret to Smith’s longevity was a simple rule – never take anything personally. This applies to criticism or basketball decisions. He was part of the deal that brought Kentavious Caldwell Pope to the Nuggets last season from Washington in exchange for Will Barton and Monty Morris.
“I realize what you need to do to get better and get fit,” said Smith, whose wife is expecting her entry. Three months. “Besides, keep going, keep pushing, keep pushing.”
As for how long he wants to play, that’s easy.
“Until they cut the lights and said don’t come back,” Smith joked.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA And https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Join the conversation