In a standard move, the 76ers and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today they will exercise the third-year options on the contracts of Jason Smith and Thaddeus Young.
Both Smith and Young were first-round selections in the 2007 NBA Draft. Young was the Sixers’ pick, 12 overall, while Smith was originally selected by Miami at 20th overall.
The Sixers acquired Smith in exchange for Daequan Cook – their 21st overall pick – a future second round pick and cash considerations.
Young, who is currently the Sixers starting small forward, averaged 8.2 points and 4.2 rebounds last season, his rookie year.
Smith tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will miss this season after having the knee surgically repaired.
Smith averaged 4.5 points and 3.0 rebounds last season.
-- Kate
IS GONNA GOOSE THE MAVERICKS
John Mitchell is in his first year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
