Tuesday evening, the Charlotte Hornets made their first move in free agency agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran point guard Ish Smith. Smith will earn $4.5 million during his first season with the Hornets; Charlotte has a team option to extend him for the second year of the deal.
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Smith, 33, is a native of Charlotte. He graduated in 2006 from Central Cabarrus High School and played collegiately at Wake Forest.
Smith is entering his 11th year in the NBA; Charlotte will be the 12th team that he has played for, tying a league record. Smith has also spent time with the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Detriot Pistons before spending the last two seasons with the Washington Wizards.
Smith played in 44 games for the Wizards last season, starting one game. He played 21.0 minutes per game averaging 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Smith shot 43.4% from the field and 36.7% from three.
Smith will add guard depth to a Hornets team looking to restock after the departures of Devonte’ Graham and Malik Monk in free agency. Graham was dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans in a sign-and-trade deal for a 2022 lottery-protected first-round draft pick; he’ll receive a four-year, $47 million contract with the Pelicans. Kevin Smith of Spotrac reported that Monk signed a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Smith will most likely slot behind Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball as a reliable backup. Smith will also add a veteran presence in the locker room of a young Hornets’ team.
The Hornets’ three-guard set with Ball, Rozier, and Graham was one of their most successful lineups last season. Former Wizards head coach Scott Brooks utilized a three-guard set quite often last season with Smith, Russell Westbrook, and Raul Neto. Smith could be an effective option to replace Graham in a three-guard set in Charlotte.
Smith is the type of player that you want on your team. He doesn’t need a lot of minutes to make an impact, can plug into either guard position, and is willing to fill any role that’s needed to help his team win.
Smith’s veteran leadership will be key to the continued development of the young Hornets’ core. His work ethic and basketball IQ are two great qualities that Charlotte management would love to rub off on their young players.