Thunder use injury exemption to sign point guard Ish Smith
The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed point guard Ish Smith, the team announced Friday.
Smith, who worked out for the Thunder this week, signed with the Houston Rockets in the offseason but was cut before the season. He spent last season with the Phoenix Suns, averaging 3.7 points and 2.6 assists in 70 games, and has had stints with four other teams in his five-year NBA career, including a separate stint with the Rockets.
With a full roster already, the Thunder were granted a hardship exemption by the league to sign Smith due to the team's extensive injury list.
Reigning MVP Kevin Durantunderwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his foot last month and won't be re-evaluated until six weeks from his operation. Fellow All-Star Russell Westbrook then broke his hand in the second game of the season and is out four to six weeks. Those two players' injuries means the Thunder are missing 50.7 percent of their per-game scoring from last year.
• MANNIX: Open Floor: Thunder try to stay afloat despite injuries
On Monday, guard Andre Robersonsprained his foot, and on Tuesday, forward Perry Jonessustained a contusion in his knee. Guard Jeremy Lamb and forwards Anthony Morrow and Mitch McGary had already been out due to injuries, though Lamb could return soon. Guard Reggie Jackson had been out with a wrist injury but returned Monday.
Oklahoma City was left with just seven active players before signing Smith.
The Thunder fell to the Toronto Raptors 100-88 on Tuesday and are now 1-4 this season. They host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
• MAHONEY: The Fundamentals: Why LeBron, Cavs are struggling
- Ben Estes
