Surging Hornets Guard Set for Second-Year Breakout After Dominant Summer League Start

Second-year Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. intends to become a major part of Charlotte's rotation under new head coach Charles Lee, and he got off to a phenomenal start in NBA Summer League on Saturday.

Smith led all Hornets in scoring with 24 points in the 94-90 win over the Knicks. He shot 9/17 from the field (4/9 from beyond the arc) with five rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 28 minutes. The 2023 first-round pick was just as impressive as fellow first-rounder Brandon Miller, who effectively ensured this was his only game in Las Vegas with a similar effort.

After averaging only 14.3 minutes per contest last year, Smith hopes to solidify a more consistent bench role and prove he's part of the new core Charlotte plans to build around.

Hornets G Nick Smith Jr. Dominates in First Summer League Game

Some of these moves are downright ridiculous. His patient step-back that made a defender fall was a thing of beauty, and Smith executed an aggressive game plan well, staying within the flow of the offense while finding ways to attack.

An excellent prospect who helped lead Arkansas to a Sweet 16 appearance, Smith could find himself part of the Hornets' young core if he keeps this pace up. Miller, LaMelo Ball and first-round pick Tidjane Salaun are obviously core tenants of the organization's future plans, though Smith hopes to carve out a consistent role as well.

He showed the team a glimpse of his potential in his final game of his rookie season, dropping 24 points with six three-pointers against Cleveland in April. If he becomes a consistent perimeter threat who rebounds well for his size and keeps the ball moving, Charlotte will be thrilled.

Smith and the Hornets get their next opportunity on Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets. Miller isn't expected to play and if Smith performs as well as he did this weekend, this could be his last game in Vegas too.

More Charlotte Hornets News: