If the Charlotte Hornets are going to rebuild their franchise and change into a playoff contender once more, they are going to want a whole lot of younger and strong expertise on their roster.
They’ve somebody particular with Nick Smith Jr. and need to preserve working with him.
That was made clear on Wednesday morning when Michael Scotto reported the Hornets plan to train Smith’s third-year group choice price $2.71 million for the 2025-26 season.
Smith averaged 5.9 factors, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in his rookie season final 12 months and led his class from the three-point vary with a 43.2% three-point proportion.
Smith has pure expertise and will do a lot for the Hornets however followers shouldn’t anticipate to see a whole lot of him in 2024-25.
That’s really excellent news for the Hornets as a result of they may not name on Smith as a result of they’ve a good quantity of guard choices.
As a substitute of bringing Smith on the court docket typically, they are going to in all probability use him as a reserve participant.
Unsurprisingly, he hasn’t performed in a sport for Charlotte but in 2024-25 though they plan to train his choice and preserve him round.
Followers may take challenge with that as a result of they really feel now could be the time for the entire younger gamers to get extra time in video games.
They suppose the teaching employees ought to let sure gamers get expertise now initially of the season in case they’re wanted later due to harm points or so starters can get relaxation.
Since coming into the league final season, Smith has proven he has a whole lot of hearth in his stomach and a want to play exhausting.
The Hornets are committing to him however they received’t be utilizing him so much within the close to future.
