BREAKING: Hornets Select G Nick Smith Jr

Charlotte's pick is in!

The Hornets have selected Nick Smith Jr from Arkansas with the 27th overall selection in the 2023 NBA draft.

Charlotte adds their second player from the SEC in Smith Jr. He was one of the top ranked players coming into this past season in college basketball but struggled with injuries right out of the gate. He never really got into a rhythm in his only collegiate season, but the tools have always been there.

All of the intel about Smith details how hard he works on his craft and how much he cares about the game. He could have shut it down a few times last season after his injuries, but he continued to come back and fight for his team. He has good passing vision and a clean-looking jumpshot. He competes hard on the defensive end so effort will not be a problem, but he definitely needs some improvement on that side. Coach Clifford should be able work with his tools and at least turn him into an average defender.

Charlotte should be really excited about this pick, it's a high upside swing on a player who never got any consistency in college. The potential is there for this to be a great pick for the Hornets. 

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