Charlotte Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. showcased his skills at the NBA Summer League, scoring 24 points and displaying an array of moves in a 94-90 victory over the New York Knicks in Las Vegas. Smith, once a highly touted college basketball recruit in 2022 whose career at Arkansas was hampered by knee injuries, shot 9-for-17 from the field and made 4-of-9 three-point attempts. Alongside his scoring, he contributed five rebounds and four assists, indicating his readiness for an expanded role in his upcoming sophomore season with the Hornets.
Despite Brandon Miller’s inclusion in the All-Rookie team last season, it was Smith who stole the spotlight with his impressive performance. Miller, the second overall pick in a previous draft, also had a notable game, scoring 23 points and hitting 5-of-10 three-pointers, despite committing seven turnovers that nearly cost Charlotte the game. The Hornets narrowly avoided defeat when Jacob Toppin missed an alley-oop attempt in the closing seconds.
Among other notable performances, New York’s Tyler Kolek contributed seven points and seven assists, showcasing his potential as a reliable backup under coach Tom Thibodeau’s system. Kolek, a second-round pick from Marquette, played efficiently without committing a turnover in 29 minutes of play.
Looking ahead, Charlotte’s roster features promising talents such as Smith, Miller, and the return of LaMelo Ball, suggesting an offensive powerhouse despite expectations of not contending for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. Additionally, rookie Tidjane Salaun, the sixth overall pick, exhibited glimpses of his potential as a dynamic slasher and finisher, adding depth to the team’s roster.
Although there isn’t an official All-Sophomore team in the NBA, Smith’s resurgence from injury makes him a compelling candidate if such a recognition existed, highlighting his potential impact in the league’s sophomore class.
