Pookie to Philly

“Pookie sent to Philly”

January 18, 1998:

The Seattle Sonics traded G Eric “Pookie” Snow to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a conditional 2nd round draft pick in either 1998 or ‘99.

1997 - ‘98 Salaries:

Eric Snow: $706 K

Note:

Philly has its own 2nd round and one belonging to the LA Clippers in the ‘98 NBA Draft. The Sonics may opt for whichever pick is higher or use Philly’s 2nd round pick in 1999.

Who got the better of the deal?

Philadelphia.

Why?

During last summer, Eric Snow, 6’3”, 200, was told by Sonics’ management that if he decided to re - sign w/ the club he would see more playing time. Snow was told he would handle more of the point guard duties thereby freeing up G Gary Payton to play more at the shooting guard spot. Snow re - signed w/ Seattle for 2 years and $1.5 M total.

In October Seattle signed veteran G Greg Anthony to back up Payton. Snow became the 12th man on the team.

Going to Philly will allow Snow the opportunity to back up lighting quick G Allen Iverson. The Sixers are also toying w/ the idea of playing Snow and Iverson in the back court at the same time w/ Iverson playing the shooting guard.

" He is somebody that we've evaluated," said Billy King, the Sixers' vice president of basketball administration. "We liked him coming out of college, and he fits the way we wanted to play -- defensive-minded. He's very strong, and he's a good kid. I think that he fits into the system that we're trying to build here."

Eric is a good defender w/ an improving jump shot. He was very unhappy at his reduced role in Seattle; especially, considering he had received offers from other NBA teams to sign with last summer.

Acquiring Snow allows the Sixers to keep Jim Jackson and Aaron McKie at shooting guard, their more comfortable position.