Russ Smith picked by 76ers and traded to Pelicans

It was a long night for Cards fans watching the draft, but it finally paid off. With the 47th pick in the draft, the Philadelphia 76ers picked Russ Smith. Before that moment could sink in, Russ was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

This puts Russ on the same team as former Kentucky Wildcats Anthony Davis and Darius Miller. What is even more interesting is the fact that the Pelicans play the Miami Heat in an exhibition game at the KFC Yum! Center on Saturday October 4. Very cool storylines with that team and the local connections. Obviously in that game, you could also have LeBron James if he stays with the Heat. And also, the Heat traded for former UConn guard Shabazz Napier. So Russ vs Shabazz in the Yum???

Here is everything you need to know about Russ Smith: when he got picked, he was working out at the Yum Center. So while teams were passing on him, he was already working to get better and show them what they were passing on. That is awesome.

@Russdiculous_2 watches ESPN coverage of the NBA Draft with his mother after his selection by the 76ers (47th) #L1C4 pic.twitter.com/PCXRAS7qb6

— Kenny Klein (@KKcards) June 27, 2014

After his workout, Smith met with some of the media to talk about getting drafted and feeling disrespected. Here are some key nuggets from his meeting with the media…

-He said that all he knows about New Orleans is Lil Wayne and Anthony Davis.

-When it comes to not getting enough respect, he is more frustrated than mad.

-“If someone tells me they want 6’3 190, I can’t give you that. What I can give you, you can’t measure.”

-“If they are going to tell me that someone else is better than Russ Smith, I’m not going to accept that.”

-He said this is the most motivated he has ever been.

-“I don’t understand what I have to do to gain respect, but now I’m with a great organization, and I am going to do it. Hands down.”

-“It may seem like I’m angry, but I’m totally happy. I can’t wait to get to work.”