Tune In: The Nick Smith Jr Thread

Post #41 » by **fatlever** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 6:43 pm

He is certainly saying all the right things. Then again, most players do heading into the draft. After dealing with Monk and then again with Bouk, I'm kind of in the prove it to me stance. It may be unfair to compare him to either one of those guys, who were both incredibly immature as rookies. But at this point, I just need to see it happen rather than to hear someone talk about it.

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LofJ · Post #42 » by **LofJ** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 7:14 pm

fatlever wrote:He is certainly saying all the right things. Then again, most players do heading into the draft. After dealing with Monk and then again with Bouk, I'm kind of in the prove it to me stance. It may be unfair to compare him to either one of those guys, who were both incredibly immature as rookies. But at this point, I just need to see it happen rather than to hear someone talk about it.

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I normally feel the same way, but his reaction when he was drafted was night and day different compared to Monk and Bouknight. It told me a lot about his character.

He wasn't angry he slipped or mad he was going to Charlotte instead of New York. He was clearly grateful that he was drafted. That's the reaction of someone who knows he isn't entitled to anything at this stage. That's a really good sign I think.

SWedd523 · Post #43 » by **SWedd523** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 7:46 pm

LofJ wrote:
fatlever wrote:He is certainly saying all the right things. Then again, most players do heading into the draft. After dealing with Monk and then again with Bouk, I'm kind of in the prove it to me stance. It may be unfair to compare him to either one of those guys, who were both incredibly immature as rookies. But at this point, I just need to see it happen rather than to hear someone talk about it.

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I normally feel the same way, but his reaction when he was drafted was night and day different compared to Monk and Bouknight. It told me a lot about his character.

He wasn't angry he slipped or mad he was going to Charlotte instead of New York. He was clearly grateful that he was drafted. That's the reaction of someone who knows he isn't entitled to anything at this stage. That's a really good sign I think.

For comparison. I dunno how much, if at all, their reaction matters. Just something to look at

Watch on YouTube

SWedd523 · Post #44 » by **SWedd523** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 7:47 pm

Also, he was the first #1 overall 247 recruit drafted since outside the top 4 since 2015 (Skal Labissiere)

Post #45 » by **fatlever** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 9:16 pm

monk and bouk rubbed us wrong from the very first second. those reactions were very telling.

Post #46 » by **Diop** » Mon Jun 26, 2023 11:16 pm

I like the fact Nick kept trying to play and push himself while he had knee issues, shows a commitment to playing and effort.

Hopefully the knee has healed and he can go 100% now

SWedd523 · Post #47 » by **SWedd523** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:08 am

Diop wrote:I like the fact Nick kept trying to play and push himself while he had knee issues, shows a commitment to playing and effort.

But when guys do that on the senior team it's because the medical staff is forcing them to play hurt

Liver_Pooty · Post #48 » by **Liver_Pooty** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:24 am

Does anyone know the specific issue with his knee? All I've seen is "knee management". On Givonys mock draft months ago he was a borderline top 5 pick.

Post #49 » by **Diop** » Tue Jun 27, 2023 12:35 am

SWedd523 wrote:
Diop wrote:I like the fact Nick kept trying to play and push himself while he had knee issues, shows a commitment to playing and effort.

But when guys do that on the senior team it's because the medical staff is forcing them to play hurt

thats only dem white vanilla soft serve fools

(im trying to sound gansta)

Spoiler:

wilson115 · Post #50 » by **wilson115** » Fri Jun 30, 2023 9:55 pm

Read on Twitter

That’s what Smith was doing at the end of practice. He was one of the last guys off the floor, hoisting jumpers with assistant Jordan Surenkamp, the guy who held the role of Charlotte’s summer league coach the past two years.

Those extra reps displayed the early mentality of the player the Hornets took off the board at No. 27. It’s apparently just part of his makeup.

“For me, I don’t really try to show my work ethic to anybody,” Smith said. “I try to show my work ethic to me most importantly. It’s just to come in here, and just to grind and just to learn as much as you can. I do stuff for me.”

Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article276793681.html#storylink=cpy

LofJ · Post #51 » by **LofJ** » Sun Jul 2, 2023 6:23 pm

Nick is officially a Hornet:

Read on Twitter

Snidely FC · Post #52 » by **Snidely FC** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 9:57 am

There were guys at the 27 pick that might really help this team - a legit backup PG or defensive wing - instead they swing again at this iso gunner type - so maddening so disappointing

wilson115 · Post #53 » by **wilson115** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 11:58 am

Snidely FC wrote:There were guys at the 27 pick that might really help this team - a legit backup PG or defensive wing - instead they swing again at this iso gunner type - so maddening so disappointing

Well, dwelling on the positives, seems he's put the injury concerns to rest, and he's clearly more skilled and more invested on D than Bouk was coming in. The decision-making, on the other hand ... I'd like to think it's nothing coaching and a player development staff can't (eventually) fix. I don't get headcase vibes at least like I had with Monk early on. In any case, it's SL, I can post observations at most but not judgments at this point.

Rich4114 · Post #54 » by **Rich4114** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 1:28 pm

Not encouraged at all seeing NSJ as a primary ball handler. He had tunnel vision and was a black hole on offense.

Lwcasu · Post #55 » by **Lwcasu** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 2:16 pm

I will say one thing is he is really quick/fast. And he looks fully healed. He has the speed he displayed in HS. I think he will be fine but it’s gonna take time. I also think he will be able to run the point. He did make some boneheaded decisions but after that disasterous 1st they were playing catch-up the rest of the game.

Chapelchilla · Post #56 » by **Chapelchilla** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 3:00 pm

I would not read too much into the first game of summer league. It's disorganized pick up ball with strangers and the guy has not played much at all since high school. The attitude and physical skills are evident.

Soul Rebel · Post #57 » by **Soul Rebel** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 3:28 pm

I wonder if the coaching staff sees him as more of a PG or SG. I'm guessing they are tossing NSJ, Bailey and Maledon against the wall to see which one sticks as the DSJ replacement.

JustBuzzin · Post #58 » by **JustBuzzin** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 4:03 pm

This guy doesn't like passing. Felt like every time he had the ball he would shoot.

Lwcasu · Post #59 » by **Lwcasu** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 4:39 pm

JustBuzzin wrote:This guy doesn't like passing. Felt like every time he had the ball he would shoot.

I did not get that at all. He had a couple of good hockey assists. Half the time his roll man was Kai Jones and that didnt help. Bouk on the other hand doesn’t like to pass. NSJ and Bailey had some good defensive possessions. Bouk looked like his old self. Regardless these guys have barely played with each other and it’s 1 game. I guarantee if Mark was out there or even Nnaji instead of Kai it would have been a different game. Kai might be the worst player we have ever drafted and that’s saying a lot.

Bassman · Post #60 » by **Bassman** » Tue Jul 4, 2023 4:53 pm

Junior was bound to be a bit rusty, plus the lack of familiarity, etc. however, appears he was trying too hard to overcome his issues, limitations, and played a poor game. He may never develop, but he has the raw skills and talent to become a good player. Bailey may be the better PG of the two, and I hope we see more of him today/throughout SL.