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Charlotte Hornets: Why bringing back Dennis Smith Jr. should be a priority

By Evan Birchmore

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) /
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With the 2022-23 NBA season winding down and the Charlotte Hornets nowhere near postseason contention, all eyes are on the 2023 NBA draft. However, one of the most important offseason moves for the Hornets does not involve the draft at all. Instead, it involves Dennis Smith Jr., the NBA journeyman turned fan favorite. In what has turned out to be a disappointing season from a record standpoint, Smith Jr.’s career resurgence has been one of the bright spots for Charlotte, and bringing him back for another season should be a priority this offseason.

Statistics alone will never tell the full story with Smith Jr., and his numbers this season are no different. His averages of 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per night likely do not move the meter for many casual observers, but to boil his contributions down to those numbers would be to sell him short. Smith Jr. has provided a stabilizing presence for a team that has been without LaMelo Ball for over half of their games, adding a defensive element to the backcourt while also orchestrating the offense.

Smith Jr.’s primary contributions have come through his playmaking ability and his perimeter defense. On the offensive end, he ranks second behind Ball in assists per 36 minutes, assists per 100 possessions, and assist percentage. He has also taken care of the basketball when tasked with running the offense, as reflected by his 3.18 assist-to-turnover ratio, best amongst Charlotte’s guards. Defensively, Smith Jr. leads Charlotte in steals per game and defensive box plus/minus while also leading Charlotte’s backcourt players in defensive rating.

Still only 25 years old, Smith Jr. still has several years of basketball ahead of him. Despite his young age, the Fayetteville, North Carolina native brings a veteran presence to the Hornets’ locker room, as he currently represents the second-oldest Hornets guard behind Terry Rozier. For a roster with young guards such as LaMelo Ball and Bryce McGowens and for a team that will be adding a young lottery pick this offseason, Smith Jr.’s veteran leadership is an invaluable asset. For both his on-court contributions and his intangible impact on the team, the Charlotte Hornets would be well served to make sure Dennis Smith Jr. is back in purple and teal next season.

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