If the Hornets knew from the results of the “lottery” in mid-May that they were going to recruit Brandon Miller, their ” favorite from start to finish according to Mitch Kupchak, with the second choice of the Draft, they were probably unaware that his high school AAU teammate, Nick Smith Jrwould still be available more than two hours later, in 27th position in the Draft for their second selection of the first round.
” We had it much higher in our rankings » assured the GM of the Hornets this Saturday. ” Last week, I spoke to his NCAA coach, Eric Musselman, and he had nothing but good things to say about him. We consider ourselves very lucky to have been able to select Nick at this stage of the draft. »
Doubts on his knees
Very talented in high school, to the point of joining the NCAA last summer as the best player in his age class, Nick Smith Jr. has had a lackluster “freshman” season in Arkansas in recent months, at because of repeated physical glitches in the knees. This is undoubtedly the main reason for his fall in the Draft on Thursday evening, but “NSJ” ensures that there is now nothing more to fear for him physically.
” I am here, I am available. My knee doesn’t bother me anymore, it’s behind me. I’m in top form now, ready to work » he declared thus. ” I come with a spirit of vengeance. Here in Charlotte, I was trusted. So I’m going to return that trust, by going to the coal. I am very grateful to the club. »
In a young Hornets team that is banking on its young guard to regain some credibility in the Eastern Conference, Nick Smith Jr. therefore seems to be starting his career in the ideal context. After falling in the Draft, the expectations around him are lower, and he will therefore be able to work quietly, without too much pressure. Especially since coming off the bench behind LaMelo Ball, there is a boulevard to seize the majority of the minutes on the position of leader in the rotation in this young team. A “rookie” to follow, certainly!
