The Charlotte Hornets’ biggest surprise and biggest letdown

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: A detail of Charlotte Hornets jersey against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: A detail of Charlotte Hornets jersey against the Miami Heat during the second half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Dennis Smith Jr. #8 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Spectrum Center on November 09, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 09: Dennis Smith Jr. #8 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Portland Trail Blazers during their game at Spectrum Center on November 09, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Dennis Smith Jr. has been the biggest surprise for the Charlotte Hornets

Dennis Smith Jr. has impressed this season and has proven that he belongs in the league and belongs in the Hornets’ rotation.

Smith Jr. is averaging 9.3 points per game with 3.3 rebounds per game while dishing out 5.7 assists per game.

He is having a career year so far when it comes to field goal percentage, shooting 46.3% from the field. He is also having his best season in regard to playmaking as his 5.7 assists are also a career high. He has also proven that he can hit the open three point shot when needed.

Another thing that Smith Jr. brings to the team that the Hornets needed is his perimeter defense. His 1.8 steals per game have been a big part of the Hornets’ defensive identity.

Overall, Smith Jr. has been a breath of fresh air when he has been on the court for the Hornets. He has shown the ability to be a starter in some games and once the team is fully healthy, he should be the backup point guard.