Charles Lee gives Hornets fans hope with glowing review of Nick Smith Jr.

In a season like the Charlotte Hornets are currently having, it is important to focus on the big picture. The Hornets have now officially been eliminated from playoff contention in 2025, but their overall goals for the future remain. Charles Lee has been intentional from day one about emphasizing that he wants everyone within the team to be obsessed with daily improvement, knowing that doing so will eventually lead them to where they ultimately want to be.

With that in mind, it makes it easier to find silver linings, even when Charlotte is likely on their way to 55+ losses for a third straight season. One of the players in the Hornets' young core that has taken a step forward this season is Nick Smith Jr., who has earned more playing time as the season has gone on. Back in October when the season started, Smith was not even in the rotation.

Injuries may have played a part in Nick getting on the court more to begin with, but his own hard work propelled him from there. His playing time progressively went up with each month from November, to December, to January and February. After Charlotte's game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, I asked Charles Lee for his thoughts on Smith's development this season.

Smith has improved attention to detail, simplifying on offense, passing

"So many areas of growth. Like, I've been so happy with Nick," Lee said. "Defensively, I've noticed a little bit more attention to detail. I think that he's always moving and has great energy and effort, and I just feel like the attention to detail and the purpose behind his movements now has been a little bit more deliberate or intentional. Understanding who he's guarding or what we want to take away, so I'm proud of him for that. He continues to want to get better in that area.

"And then I think offensively, we've all seen how much he can score the ball. I've been really impressed lately with him simplifying. Like, less dribbles, and way more catch-and-shoot threes, getting to his spacing, having better early shot prep to put him in a good position to be able to let it fly. And then passing. I think he had a couple really great assists tonight to set up either a direct bucket or an indirect hockey assist. So just a ton of growth from him, I think all these reps are very valuable for him."

Hornets fans who have been watching all season long know exactly what Lee is talking about. Smith looks much more comfortable on the floor now than he did at the beginning of the season, and it's a testament to his overall talent and willingness to continue working. A few trips to the G League did nothing to diminish his resolve and passion, and he has made the most of every opportunity he has gotten.

What these words from Charles Lee should do is give fans in Charlotte a bit more encouragement about the state of the team and particularly the young core going forward. Nick Smith Jr. is on a very nice trajectory, and the path to him becoming a truly reliable and consistent ancillary scorer is right in front of him.