Following Tuesday night’s Summer League game, many people were talking about the great performance from Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets.
But Miller wasn’t the only new player doing well on Tuesday.
Nick Smith Jr. was good for 33 points and almost stole Miller’s thunder.
Smith’s highlight reel was all over the web on Wednesday morning as fans became acquainted with the rookie.
The Hornets first round picks showed up and showed out tonight 💪
Nick Smith Jr. (33 PTS)
Brandon Miller (26 PTS) #NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/C98Eqdyn3Y— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2023
Smith is a 2023 first-round pick out of Arkansas who hasn’t received a lot of media attention since the draft.
But he is definitely turning heads after putting up his 33 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists and going 13-of-20 from the floor and 4-of-5 from the three-point line.
Those are impressive numbers for the 27th pick in the draft.
Smith’s ability to move fast and get hot on the floor quickly makes him very exciting for the Hornets coaching staff and the fans.
But it remains to be seen if that translates into the regular season.
The Summer League is quite different from the rest of the year and sometimes stars who shine brightly in the summer don’t do as well later.
The good news for Smith is that he is part of a young team that is still finding its identity and figuring itself out.
There are indeed a few core players who have become reliable for the Hornets but there is plenty of room for a young up-and-comer like Smith to secure a strong spot in the roster, even as a starter at times.
It could be years before the Hornets are true Eastern Conference contenders.
If he keeps playing like this, Smith could be with the team when they finally find big success again.
NEXT: Fans React To Brandon Miller's Big Summer League Game
