NICK SMITH JR. NEWS

Team option exercised The Hornets exercised their third-year team option for Smith on Wednesday.

Impact This wasn't in any doubt. Although Smith isn't in Charlotte's rotation right now, he remains an intriguing developmental piece for the future.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Shows rust vs. Pacers Smith (groin) recorded 14 points (4-16 FG, 1-8 3Pt, 5-5 FT), three rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block across 25 minutes in Thursday's 121-116 loss to Indiana.

Impact Smith missed time during the preseason due to a groin injury but got the green light to suit up Thursday. He managed to contribute across the board in the preseason finale despite struggling to find his shooting stroke. The Arkansas product's role in Charlotte's rotation is undefined heading into the 2024-25 campaign given a crowded backcourt that includes Tre Mann, Seth Curry, Vasilije Micic and KJ Simpson.

OCTOBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't suit up Tuesday Smith (groin) didn't play in Tuesday's 111-105 preseason loss to the Knicks.

Impact The Hornets said Smith would be re-evaluated for his left groin injury in one week from Oct. 6, but the team has yet to release any updates. Smith's status for the regular season is now in question as his next chance to suit up is Thursday's preseason finale against the Pacers.

OCTOBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Out for preseason opener Smith sustained a left groin injury during training camp and will miss Sunday's preseason opener against the Knicks -- he will be reevaluated in one week.

Impact Smith sustained the injury near the end of training camp, and it is unclear whether he will be back for Opening Night of the regular season. The 20-year-old is coming off an inconsistent rookie season, during which he averaged 5.9 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 14.3 minutes per game in 51 regular-season outings.

OCTOBER 6 • ROTOWIRE

Charlotte Hornets G Nick Smith Jr. 2024-25 Player Profile This player profile of Charlotte Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. provides insight to his previous season, what to expect in the upcoming season...

SEPTEMBER 20 • SI.COM

NBA 2K25 Summer League: Hornets' 2nd-half surge buries Nuggets | NBA.com Nick Smith Jr. and the Hornets take control in the 2nd half and rout the Nuggets at the NBA 2K25 Summer League.

JULY 17 • NBA.COM

Leading scorer off bench Sunday Smith recorded 24 points (9-20 FG, 6-11 3Pt), six rebounds, three assists and one steal across 33 minutes during Sunday's 120-110 win over the Cavaliers.

Impact Smith was the leading scorer in the Hornets' regular-season finale Sunday. His 24 points and six made threes were both career highs as he saw extended playing time with Charlotte sitting multiple rotational players. Over the last two games of the season, Smith averaged 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 31.0 minutes game contest.

APRIL 15 • ROTOWIRE

Leads bench in scoring vs. Boston Smith finished with 15 points (5-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes during Friday's 131-98 loss to the Celtics.

Impact Smith's 15 points Friday was the first time he's reached double-digit scoring since Feb. 9 against the Bucks. He's spent time in the G League with the Greensboro Swarm, but with the Hornets down several players due to injury, Smith could see another heavy workload in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cavaliers.

APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE

Inefficient in close loss Smith finished with four points (2-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt), three rebounds and one assist across 18 minutes in Wednesday's 89-86 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Impact Since being recalled from the G League on March 4, Smith has averaged just 2.3 points in 8.1 minutes, shooting 28.9 percent from the field. Prior to the All-Star break, the 19-year-old's numbers were considerably better, as he averaged 6.6 points in 15.8 minutes and shot 40.6 percent from the field. Despite his poor shooting lately, expect the rookie to receive playing time as the season winds down with LaMelo Ball (ankle), Seth Curry (ankle) and Cody Martin (ankle) out for the rest of the season.

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

Recalled to NBA The Hornets recalled Smith from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Monday.

Impact Smith hasn't appeared in an NBA game since before the All-Star break. However, with Seth Curry (ankle) and Cody Martin (ankle) joining LaMelo Ball (ankle) on the sidelines recently, there may be depth minutes available for the rookie guard.

MARCH 4 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to NBA The Hornets recalled Smith from the G League's Greesboro Swarm on Thursday.

Impact Smith will be available for Thursday's game versus the Bucks. The rookie guard is averaging 6.5 points, 1.5 assists and 1.0 rebounds in 16.4 minutes across his last 10 appearances for Charlotte.

FEBRUARY 29 • ROTOWIRE

Back with Hornets The Hornets recalled Smith from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Wednesday.

Impact The arrival of several new players last week in the aftermath of the trade deadline resulted in Smith getting pushed out of the rotation and assigned to Greensboro, where he'll likely get the chance to play extended minutes. Though he's back with Charlotte for Wednesday's game versus Atlanta, Smith is uncertain to re-emerge in head coach Steve Clifford's rotation.

FEBRUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

G League bound after rotation exit The Hornets assigned Smith to the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Monday.

Impact In the wake of Thursday's trade deadline, the Hornets essentially overhauled their second unit. After appearing in each of the previous 28 games and averaging 18.3 minutes, Smith didn't leave the bench in Saturday's 115-106 win over the Grizzlies, and Nathan Mensah, Leaky Black and Bryce McGowens were also spectators after having previously been included in the rotation. Meanwhile, new arrivals Vasilije Micic, Seth Curry, Grant Williams and Davis Bertans all had roles off the bench in the win. Smith's demotion to the G League likely signals that the Hornets will stick with the new veteran group as their core players on the second unit for Monday's game against the Pacers.

FEBRUARY 12 • ROTOWIRE

Unprecedented three-point efficiency Smith racked up 12 points (4-10 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and one steal over 21 minutes during Friday's 126-106 loss to Oklahoma City.

Impact Smith's skinny frame and lack of true point guard instincts are on the learning curve as a rookie, but his three-point shooting has been off-the-charts. He connected on just 33.8 percent of 4.2 threes per game during his one-and-done campaign at Arkansas last year, so his 47.9 percent clip through 94 attempts thus far is a revelation.

FEBRUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Steps up in win Smith logged eight points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt), two rebounds and two assists across 15 minutes during Monday's 128-125 victory over Minnesota.

Impact Smith was conducive to good ball movement and offensive activity for the Hornets last night, although he provided his scoring value from being a reliable spot-up man in the corner. The rookie profiles as a two-way sparkplug at the moment, and connecting on 45.5 percent of 77 three-point attempts thus far is forming an exciting foundation.

JANUARY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Inside the Hive: Nick Smith Jr. is Taking Advantage of His Opportunity James Plowright and Chase Whitney discuss how well the Hornets’ rookie guard has played in an expanded role.

JANUARY 11 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Inside the Hive: Nick Smith Jr. is Taking Advantage of His Opportunity James Plowright and Chase Whitney discuss how well the Hornets’ rookie guard has played in an expanded role.

JANUARY 11 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Hot shooting continues Smith finished Monday's 119-112 overtime loss to Chicago with 15 points (6-15 FG, 3-6 3Pt), four rebounds, three assists and one steal across 32 minutes.

Impact The 27th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft has forced his way into a significant role in the backcourt rotation over the last few weeks with an impressive performance from beyond the arc. Over the last eight games, Smith has drained multiple three-pointers six times and shot 58.1 percent from long distance while averaging 9.5 points, 2.3 threes, 2.1 boards and 1,8 assists in only 18.6 minutes a night from the second unit. LaMelo Ball (ankle) is closing in on his return, which will shake things up, but Smith's current run will make it tough for coach Steve Clifford to return the rookie to the end of the bench.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Hits two triples in win Smith closed with six points (2-3 FG, 2-3 3Pt), one assist and two blocks across 14 minutes during Tuesday's 111-104 victory over Sacramento.

Impact With Charlotte shorthanded, Smith has played double-digit minutes in nine straight games, averaging 8.1 points on 45.2 percent shooting during that stretch. He should continue to garner a modest bench role as long as LaMelo Ball (ankle), Brandon Miller (hip) and Gordon Hayward (calf) remain out, but Smith isn't producing enough to be on fantasy radars in standard leagues.

JANUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Will come off bench Tuesday Smith will remain in the second unit for Tuesday's game against the Clippers.

Impact Coming off a 19-point boom in Saturday's loss against Denver, Smith could have a relevant role with Brandon Miller (ankle) inactive. He could factor into small-ball lineups for Charlotte with Mark Williams (back) out.

DECEMBER 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nick Smith Jr., 'a shot maker,' provides depth for Charlotte Hornets starting road trip Smith could have a big role for the banged-up Hornets, who play the LA Clippers on Tuesday. He scored 17 points during the fourth quarter of...

DECEMBER 26, 2023 • CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.COM

Recalled by Charlotte The Hornets recalled Smith from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Thursday.

Impact Smith spent just a few days in the G League but will now rejoin the parent club. Over eight appearances with the Hornets this year, he's averaged 4.0 points in 7.1 minutes per game.

DECEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Maimi.

Impact As expected, Smith has been downgraded from doubtful and will miss a second straight game. The rookie hasn't been a consistent part of the rotation, so his absence shouldn't impact fantasy.

DECEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as doubtful Smith (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's matchup against the Heat.

Impact Smith is listed as doubtful for a second straight game. The rookie hasn't been a regular part of Charlotte's rotation, so his presumed absence shouldn't impact fantasy.

DECEMBER 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to out Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Raptors.

Impact As expected, Smith has been downgraded from doubtful to out. It's unclear when exactly he sprained his ankle, but he scored 14 points in Greensboro's blowout loss to Capital City on Thursday. Smith hasn't been a regular part of Charlotte's rotation, so his absence shouldn't have a fantasy impact.

DECEMBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE