July 2, 2023 – Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Mitch Kupchak announced today the team has signed Nick Smith Jr., the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.
The 6-5 Smith Jr. averaged 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 25.8 minutes per game in his lone season (2022-23) at the University of Arkansas, where he was limited to 17 games due to right knee management.
He was a consensus top-three recruit in the country out of North Little Rock High School, collecting 2021-22 USA Today National High School Player of the Year and Arkansas Player of the Year honors and winning the state championship as a senior. Smith Jr. was also named co-MVP of the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic and participated in the 2022 Nike Hoop Summit.
Smith Jr. was originally selected 27th on June 22 in the 2023 NBA Draft and will wear No. 00 in Summer League for the Hornets.
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