Known as one of the most powerful actors in Hollywood, Will Smith is taking a small slice of that influence to the NBA. He was announced with wife Jada Pinkett-Smith as part of the investment group that recently purchased the Philadelphia 76ers. Of course, with Jay-Z a part owner of the New Jersey Nets and R&B singer Usher part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s easier to focus on Smith’s first career, as The Basketball Jones blog on TheScore.com did, listing (in jest) some among the improvements that Smith will provide to his hometown team: “Victory ciga-cigars from Cuba-Cuba (lighting optional, biting required).”
It remains to be seen if Smith’s successful big-screen moneymaking formula — special effects and superheroes — will be implemented (in fact, the Sixers announced a slash in ticket prices), but he did get an endorsement on Twitter from Sixers guard/forward Evan Turner.
“I think it’s dope that the fresh prince is one of our new owners,” Turner tweeted. “Maybe willow can perform at halftime.”
– Craig Stouffer
