For fans and writers of a struggling basketball team, the prospect of a breakthrough is a constant hope. And in Nick Smith Jr, the Charlotte Hornets may have found their beacon of hope. His unique qualities and potential to change the course of the team’s future make him a player who truly deserves a chance to prove himself. This anticipation and excitement among the Hornets’ faithful is palpable as they eagerly await the impact he could make on the team.
Smith Jr.’s journey to the Charlotte Hornets began when he was drafted as the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. However, his remarkable high school career paved his path to the NBA. He was named Underclassmen Of The Year in his sophomore year and Player Of The Year in his junior and senior years. Despite being a highly sought-after 5-star recruit, he decided to stay in Arkansas and play at the University Of Arkansas, turning down offers from North Carolina, Georgetown, and Kansas.
One And Done.
Smith Jr. demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of a knee injury that kept him out of many games during the season. In his brief one-season stint at the University Of Arkansas, he started in 14 out of 17 games, showing his unwavering determination to play despite the setback. Averaging 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 37/39/74% shooting, he proved that his potential was still intact. The lottery projections mock drafts had on him were tempting enough to come out despite the best decision for him to return to school for another year.
Draft Day.
As soon as Smith Jr. stepped out of school, everyone had their eyes on him – some projected him to go as high as 12, while others thought he might drop as low as 25. According to nbadraftroom.com, he was the fifth-ranked shooting guard in the draft. His dynamic ball-handling skills and ability to score like everyone else in his class made him stand out. However, concerns about his knee and its strength made teams question his potential and capabilities. Despite questions about his defense and playmaking, the Hornets boldly decided to take a chance on him. Only time will tell if it was the right call, but this move instills a sense of hope for the team’s future among the fans.
The Rookie Grind.
Smith Jr joined the Charlotte Hornets team alongside veterans such as Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Theo Maledon, and LaMelo Ball, meaning he wouldn’t see many minutes in his rookie season. In fact, during Charlotte’s first 20 games, Smith only played for eight, averaging 4.0 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 7.1 minutes of action. However, he showed his shooting potential, shooting 48% from the field and 66% from the three during the limited minutes he received.
During his next stretch of 20 games, Smith Jr saw a significant increase in minutes, playing in 17 out of the 20 games and averaging 7.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 18.8 minutes of action. His NBA career-high of 19 points was achieved on December 23, 2023, against the Denver Nuggets in a 102-95 loss. He shot 6/12 from the field and 5/7 from the three-point line. However, Smith Jr’s playing time was inconsistent, as he was designated for assignment to the G-League on February 12th after playing for 28 straight games.
On February 14th, Smith Jr returned to the team but has been back and forth since then. With all the injuries to the Hornets’ guards, Smith was recalled again on March 4th and has played in six games, averaging 2.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 10 minutes of action.
In Conclusion.
Nick Smith is undoubtedly a talented player with the necessary tools to become a solid contributor to the NBA. While this season might not have been his best, it is essential to note that he was recovering from his knee injuries in college. With his impressive offensive skills, he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the Charlotte Hornets for many years to come. Smith Jr is also committed to building his body up to meet the demands of an NBA schedule. The Hornets took him in the first round for a reason; his potential is undeniable. He can undoubtedly become a standout player in the league with the proper guidance and training.
West Coast Hoops 