Former NBA First-Round Pick Now a Free Agent
### Charlotte Hornets’ Surprising Move: Nick Smith Jr. Becomes a Free Agent
In a surprising turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets waived veteran guard Nick Smith Jr., leaving the former first-round pick to explore new opportunities in the NBA. Despite the chance to keep his contract with another team, Smith Jr. went unclaimed, becoming an unrestricted free agent.
As of September 28, 2025, Nick Smith Jr. has cleared waivers and is free to sign with any team. According to Keith Smith of El-Balad, the market for the 21-year-old guard remains uncertain.
### Smith’s NBA Journey: From Draft Day to Free Agency
Nick Smith Jr. entered the NBA with high expectations as a one-and-done prospect from Arkansas. During the 2022-2023 NCAA season, he started in 14 of 17 games, posting an average of 12.5 points per game despite shooting just 38 percent from the field. The Charlotte Hornets saw potential and selected him with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
### Performance Struggles with Charlotte Hornets
In his rookie season, Smith Jr. played in 51 games, although he never started. Averaging 5.9 points per game with a field goal percentage of 39 percent, his three-point shooting percentage of 43 percent was a bright spot. However, his sophomore year saw a decline, as he managed only a 34 percent success rate from beyond the arc while averaging 9.9 points across 60 games.
### Hornets’ Future and Smith’s New Path
The Charlotte Hornets ended last season with a disappointing 19-63 record, finishing 14th in the Eastern Conference. While the team is looking for improvements, especially with the return of LaMelo Ball, many questions remain about their rebuilding process.
As for Nick Smith Jr., the future may lie in the NBA G League as he seeks to catch the attention of other teams and reignite his professional basketball career.
### Nick Smith Jr. Joins Los Angeles Lakers on a Two-Way Deal
In a new development, Nick Smith Jr. has secured his next NBA opportunity. ESPN reports that he has signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after clearing waivers. This agreement allows him to split his time between the Lakers’ main roster and their G League affiliate in South Bay.
This move presents a promising opportunity for Smith, keeping him close to the NBA action and available for call-ups on game nights should the Lakers need his skills. Last season, Smith Jr. averaged 9.9 points and 2.4 assists with the Hornets, showcasing his potential value to the Lakers’ roster.
