Hornets’ Regret in Drafting Nick Smith Jr. Grows Amid Abysmal 2nd Season
The Charlotte Hornets entered the 2023 NBA Draft with high hopes for their future. The franchise, which had struggled to make significant progress since their resurgence in the early 2010s, saw the draft as a pivotal moment in their rebuilding efforts. After selecting Brandon Miller with the second overall pick, the Hornets chose Nick Smith Jr., a highly touted point guard out of Arkansas, with the 27th overall pick. On paper, Smith’s combination of scoring ability, playmaking skills, and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect. However, as the 2024 NBA season has unfolded, regret regarding his selection has begun to mount, and the Hornets’ decision to draft him looks more and more like a missed opportunity.
The High Expectations for Nick Smith Jr.
At the time of the draft, Nick Smith Jr. was considered one of the most gifted players in his class, despite having a relatively brief college career. His freshman season at Arkansas was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time. Still, his raw talent was undeniable. Smith averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.7 rebounds per game in his 17 appearances with the Razorbacks. His explosive athleticism, ball-handling, and potential as a two-way player were the primary draws for the Hornets.
Charlotte’s roster, which already featured the likes of LaMelo Ball, a dynamic playmaker, and Miles Bridges, a promising forward, was in desperate need of additional scoring punch and playmaking. Smith seemed like a perfect fit — a player with the ability to contribute both as a scorer and a distributor in the backcourt. The hope was that he would develop into a key piece of the team’s future alongside Ball, leading to an exciting, high-powered offensive duo.
However, what was initially seen as a promising pick has begun to look like a cautionary tale, as Smith’s development has stagnated in his second season.
Struggles in His Second Season
The most glaring issue with Smith’s second-year performance has been his inability to find consistent playing time. In a league where rookies are often thrown into the fire to adapt quickly, Smith’s inability to earn a significant role has been concerning. Through the first few months of the 2024 season, Smith has found himself buried on the bench more often than not, unable to crack the Hornets’ rotation consistently.
In games where he has been given the opportunity to play, his performances have been disappointing. Smith is averaging just 5.3 points per game on a mere 33% shooting from the field, including a troubling 22% from three-point range. His playmaking has also taken a hit, with his assist numbers dropping and his turnovers rising as he struggles to establish a rhythm with his teammates.
For a player who was touted for his offensive potential and ball-handling ability, these statistics are alarming. There’s no denying that Smith has the tools to be a successful NBA player, but his struggles to adapt to the pace of the game and contribute meaningfully in his second season have led to growing concerns about his future.
Why the Hornets Might Regret the Pick
There are several reasons why the Hornets’ decision to draft Nick Smith Jr. is increasingly being called into question. First and foremost is the development of other players selected after Smith in the 2023 draft. With the 27th pick, Charlotte had the option to select a number of talented players who have gone on to have strong starts to their careers.
One of the most notable players taken after Smith was Jalen Wilson, a 6-foot-8 forward out of Kansas, who was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 22nd overall pick. Wilson’s combination of size, versatility, and basketball IQ has allowed him to make an immediate impact in the NBA. He is averaging 11.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game for the Nets, and his ability to stretch the floor and contribute defensively has made him a valuable asset for Brooklyn.
Meanwhile, players like Jordan Hawkins, who was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans, have also outperformed Smith in his second season. Hawkins, a sharpshooter from UConn, has quickly established himself as a reliable offensive weapon, averaging 14.2 points per game and shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc. The Hornets, in hindsight, may have benefited more from selecting a player like Hawkins who could have contributed immediately with his shooting and spacing ability.
The fact that other rookies in the same draft class are outperforming Smith only amplifies the frustration surrounding his struggles. While it’s true that not every player’s development follows the same trajectory, the Hornets could have opted for a more NBA-ready prospect who would have helped them in the short term. Instead, they bet on Smith’s potential, which, so far, has not materialized.
Concerns About Fit with the Hornets’ Core
Another issue with Smith’s fit on the Hornets roster is the potential redundancy in the backcourt. Charlotte’s centerpiece, LaMelo Ball, already operates as the primary ball handler, and the team’s offensive flow is designed to run through him. While Smith’s versatility as a scorer and playmaker was appealing, his style of play has not complemented Ball’s in a meaningful way.
Smith has shown flashes of his playmaking ability, but his struggles with consistency and shooting have led to inefficient offensive possessions. As a result, the Hornets’ offense has often been stagnant when both Ball and Smith share the court. There’s also the matter of who is taking on the scoring responsibilities. Ball has had to shoulder much of the offensive burden, and the lack of an established secondary ball handler or scorer has hurt the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
Additionally, Charlotte has faced questions about its long-term direction, with several key players, including Bridges, also dealing with inconsistent performances. This has created a situation where Smith’s inability to carve out a clear role in the rotation has added to the overall sense of uncertainty surrounding the team.
What’s Next for Nick Smith Jr.?
As the season progresses, the Hornets will need to make a decision on how to proceed with Smith. The hope is that he can eventually turn things around and fulfill his potential, but the clock is ticking. Given his struggles, it might be worth exploring different avenues for his development. Perhaps a stint in the G League could help him build confidence and improve his skills in a less pressured environment. Alternatively, Charlotte may look to move him in a trade to acquire a player who can immediately contribute to the team’s success.
For now, however, the Hornets’ regret regarding their decision to draft Nick Smith Jr. is becoming more apparent. With each passing game, it’s harder to shake the feeling that they missed an opportunity to select a more impactful player — one who could have provided immediate help and fit better within the team’s structure. As Smith’s second season continues to spiral, it becomes clear that the Hornets’ 2023 draft decision will be one they will be scrutinizing for years to come.
In the end, the hope is that Nick Smith Jr. can still grow into the player that many once believed he could be. But for the Hornets, the early signs of regret are unmistakable, and the search for a long-term solution at guard remains ongoing.
