Deep Sixer

DURHAM, N.C. -- He hasn’t generated many headlines, but 76ers rookie power forward Jason Smith is quietly having a good training camp.
So is the Sixers’ other first rounder Thaddeus Young, although both have different styles. Young has not backed down one bit and hasn’t been afraid to take the ball to the basket in scrimmages.
Smith is a little more deferential, willing to allow his teammates to shoot, but he has also shown the ability to hit the medium range jumper.
When penciling in a rotation at the beginning of the year, it was originally thought (by this reporter) that Smith would need time before he can see meaningful minutes. The way he’s been playing, Smith could change this line of thinking.
Of course what happens in an inter-squad scrimmage isn’t the same as the game, but Smith has certainly made a favorable impression on the right people.
“I have noticed him a lot,” coach Maurice Cheeks said. “He is a big guy who can put the ball on the floor, can shot and is getting better at rebounding. He is a very knowledgeable kid who picks up things quickly and players like to play with him.”
Smith was the same way when he began in the July Las Vegas SummerLleague. He never demanded the ball and just tried to fit in.
At 7-feet and with solid medium range shooting ability, he is able to draw opposing power forwards away from the basket. Cheeks even says he could play some small forward, although with the number of players the Sixers have at that position, it’s unlikely he will get much of a look there.
Power forward could be a different story.
Smith will have to become accustomed to the physical part of the game, but practicing every day with Reggie Evans will accelerate the learning process.
Right now Smith doesn’t have the grit of an Evans or even Louis Amundson. However, Smith is far advanced offensively compared to those two.
The team is less than one week in camp, so it’s too early to draw any conclusions, but it’s safe to say that in the early portion, Jason Smith hasn’t hurt himself with the way he has played.