NBA Draft: Hornets select Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr. at No. 27
The Charlotte Hornets added to their 2023 NBA Draft haul with the 27th overall selection of Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr. on Thursday.
Smith joins second overall pick, forward Brandon Miller, as part of this year’s draft class. The 19-year-old guard will compete for playing time behind the starting backcourt of LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier as a rookie.
“I’m coming in with a big chip, for sure,” Smith said after his selection. “I also understand this game is a business and Charlotte was willing to take a chance on me. My trust is in Charlotte right now.”
During his college career, the Jacksonville, Arkansas, native averaged 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game during his lone season with the Razorbacks.
Following the 27th overall selection, the Hornets still have three second-round picks remaining. With limited roster space, team president/general manager Mitch Kupchak could look to deal those picks for future assets or a veteran player.
Hornets’ NBA Draft picks:
No. 2 overall: Brandon Miller, F, Alabama
No. 27 overall: Nick Smith Jr., G, Arkansas
No. 31 overall (via Boston): James Nnaji, C, Nigeria (originally selected by Detroit Pistons)
No. 41st overall: Amari Bailey, G, UCLA
This story was originally published June 22, 2023 at 11:09 PM.
