NBA Future Watch: Nick Smith Jr. Basketball Cards, Charlotte Hornets – Nick Smith Jr. came into the NBA advertised as a player with marksman capabilities, some of the most important skills in the modern game. He has more than delivered in that regard as a rookie. With a .406 3%, Smith is lighting it up from distance. His .846 FT% provides evidence that his shooting prowess is legitimate. In an utterly lost season for Charlotte, Smith is establishing himself as a vital piece of the future foundation.
Growing up in Arkansas, Smith progressed throughout high school before leading North Little Rock to the state championship. Smith’s exploits earned him a spot in the McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
A consensus top five recruit nationally, Smith had his choice of the top programs in America. He chose to stay home with the Razorbacks. The season did not live up to expectations due to a knee injury that limited Smith to 17 games and a minutes restriction. That said, Smith averaged 19.5 PPG on a Per-40 basis. Smith’s .338 challenged the perception of his most noteworthy skill. That set the stage for him to drop to 27th in the 2023 NBA Draft and provide a significant value to Charlotte.
Smith has been able to reestablish his reputation as a sniper while still only placing 16th in MPG. The Hornets are bringing along Smith at a measured pace while he builds the rest of his game. Next, defense and secondary shot creation are the areas most ripe to grow to above average. As Smith achieves this, he will find himself in position to become a signature player in the NBA by the late 2020s.
Smith’s cards date to 2022, with Panini, Upper Deck, Topps, and Leaf all strongly represented. Numerous parallels and inserts are available. Additionally, Smith has plenty of memorabilia on the market dating back to his NIL days at Arkansas.
NBA Future Watch: Nick Smith Jr. – Stats
Statistical image generated on Sports Reference 02/26/2024.
NBA Future Watch: Nick Smith Jr. Basketball Cards, Charlotte Hornets – More Resources
- Beckett Card Catalog
- NBA.com Player Profile
- 2023 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Collegiate Basketball Cards Checklist
- 2023-24 Panini Hoops NBA Basketball Cards Checklist
- 2023 Leaf Trinity Basketball Cards Checklist
NBA Future Watch: Nick Smith Jr. Basketball Cards, Charlotte Hornets – Image Gallery
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