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He is a microwave scorer with good length and size, showed good defensive ability and IQ in high school, MVP of the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic with 27 points (7-15 FG, 5-7 3PT, 8-8 FT), didn't really play much at Arkansas and struggled with injury when he did play. Kid is obviously humble with his emotion and interview when he got picked, actually hyped for the guy

It felt like the hornets ran to the podium for this pick

I think I would've preferred the OSU kid, but this guy could be great if his health checks out

Best game(s) pre-injury.

Smith is intense, a major competitor on both sides of the ball. When healthy he looked awesome. Better than Scoot coming out of HS. He’s really young, and has room to grow and heal over time. Love the notion of Melo, Miller and Smith being our killer bees.

hope you speak Greensborian kid

Fingers crossed he works out

He was the 3rd ranked player in his HS class, and by all accounts is all about basketball. He should have gone back to school so he could show what he's capable of when healthy, but it's our gain. Welcome to Charlotte Nick Smith Jr.

JJ said he was lottery level talent and if we can land a sleeper like that with the 27th pick, I am on board. He was very happy to get picked too and that emotion is key.

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Diop wrote:

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Thank goodness.

Watching some video of him and his frame stands out. He has some broad shoulders. He should easily be able to add weight and get stronger. Combine that with his great first step and you're really working with something.

Ringer compares his game to Jamal Murray. Really his only minus is he is weak. If he gets stronger and stays healthy, he would be an absolute steal.

Good value pick, think he is the James Bouknight replacement.
Good handle, shifty, can shoot, and solid size.
Did not measure at combine.

His season is so weird, only played in 17 games, and really 6 of those he played fewer than 20 mins. In games he played more than 20 he averaged 18 ppg.

Kind of reminds me of a mix between Maxey and Jordan Poole.

I like it. We needed a good potential piece to play secondary ball handler and SG with Melo. He was a steal at 27.

Team really needed a perimeter defender. Instead the team continues to insist on this scorer archetype. Would love to know who they would have picked if Smith Jr hadn't fallen.

That being said, NSJ offensive game does seem more rounded, ala Tyrese Maxey, and NSJ DOES seem more wired to defend, than Monk or Bouknight, and certainly more energetic. I like him better than both those guys. If his knee has returned to normal his on ball defensive and shooting upsides will be most welcome.

I already want to cut Bouknight to give him more opportunities:

LofJ wrote:I already want to cut Bouknight to give him more opportunities:

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Agreed. Can’t move on from him fast enough.

chabber wrote:

LofJ wrote:I already want to cut Bouknight to give him more opportunities:

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Agreed. Can’t move on from him fast enough.

Yep, at a certain point having the roster spot is more valuable than the sunk cost.