Mar 23, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. (8) is defended by Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) during the first half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. has no shortage of self-confidence

Originally posted on Charlotte Hornets on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 5:04 PM ET

Thanks to some injuries and the general growth of a second-year player, Nick Smith Jr. has jumped from 14.1 minutes per game in 51 games (no starts) to 22.6 minutes per game in 52 games (25 starts) this season. In turn, everything but his three-point shooting has gone up.

Smith Jr. hasn't taken a leap to stardom but has cemented himself as a key role player for the Charlotte Hornets. They are one of the worst teams in the NBA this season at 18-53, but Smith has improved on his rookie season. He believes this is only the beginning and that he's destined for stardom.

️ Nick Smith Jr on taking the next step this season:

"I've put a lot of work in my game. I have high expectations for myself when I put the work in. I’m going to get better naturally, and I’m still young. I still have a lot to learn. I’m gonna be good in this league for sure." pic.twitter.com/3x5aZgQEL7
— r/CharlotteHornets on Reddit (@HornetsReddit) March 24, 2025

"I've put a lot of work in my game," Smith Jr. said. "I have high expectations for myself when I put the work in. I’m going to get better naturally, and I’m still young. I still got a lot to learn. I’m gonna be good in this league for sure."

The overall numbers are somewhat uninspiring. A 39.3% shooting percentage (33.1% from three) isn't an encouraging number. His field goal percentage is 0.2% better than last year, but that's still below the league average. However, as of late, Smith Jr. seems to have found his game.

Nick Smith Jr.'s last six games:

15.3 PPG
2.7 RPG
3.2 APG
45.8/48.6/88.9%

Excelling as a sixth man. pic.twitter.com/Z91jbVaP0g
— HornetsHoops (@hornetshoops_) March 24, 2025

In the last six games, he's averaging over 15 points per game off the bench. His shooting splits are excellent. He's at 45.8% from the floor, and he is shooting an impressive, scorching 48.6% from three-point range.

Smith Jr. was a late first-round pick last year and he spent some time in the G-League and didn't play as much during his rookie year, but he has improved in virtually every category this year. His points are up by 3.6 points per game. Smith Jr. is averaging one full assist more than he did last year.

The Hornets haven't had any success this year, and they've had to shift their focus to the future earlier than they'd have hoped. To his credit, the second-year guard is doing his best to showcase what he can do as part of that future.