Dennis Smith Jr. signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets this summer. People may be unaware that this transaction almost did not go into place. He was apparently planning to make the switch to football and wanted to give the NFL a go. During the summer, the Hornets star was already exercising and was enthusiastic about making the move before joining his fifth NBA franchise.
“I told my previous agent, ‘I’m not going overseas.’” Dennis Smith Jr. continued, “If s**t don’t work out, I’m just going to the NFL. And I was dead-ass serious. I put on hella weight. I was gonna try.” He has been labeled a draft flop for failing to live up to the potential he brought with him when he was selected ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Fortunately for him, the Hornets took a chance on him, and he’s done nothing but repay the team’s faith in him. Smith Jr. has averaged 13.5 points in four games, shooting 52.2% from the field and 50% from outside the arc. He also averages 6.3 dimes per appearance. With LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier presently out with injury, the Hornets will rely on him.
Dennis Smith Jr gave up his NFL dream to play with the Hornets
Dennis Smith Jr. was taken ninth overall in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Nobody expected him to be a star, but surely everyone knows he’s a good all-around player. Fans saw glimpses of his true talent during his tenure in Dallas. In his two seasons with the team, he averaged 14.5 points, 4.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals.
Smith Jr. was unable to take his game to the next level after leaving the Mavs. It’s reasonable to say he became worse instead. He went from starting in Dallas to becoming a bench player in the next three teams he played for. Smith Jr. suited up for the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers after his stint with the Mavericks.
It’s unclear who or what persuaded Dennis Smith Jr. to join with the Charlotte Hornets instead this season. However, it appears that it was the best option after all. Followers of the Charlotte Hornets may be watching a comeback in the near future.
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