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As 2023 NBA Draft is getting closer the excitement about the event is increasing. Of course, the declared players have high expectations as the following couple of days will make a huge impact on their careers. There are numerous talented guards in the draft and one of those who stands out is Nick Smith Jr. from the University of Arkansas.
Nick Smith Jr. Draft Profile
Contents
Nick Smith Jr. Age: 19
Nick Smith Jr. Birth Date: April 18, 2004
Nick Smith Jr. Home Town: Jacksonville, Arkansas
Nick Smith Jr. High School: North Little Rock, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Nick Smith Jr. Height: 6-5 (198cm)
Nick Smith Jr. Weight: 185 lbs (83kg)
Nick Smith Jr. Wingspan: 6-9 (209cm)
Nick Smith Jr. College: University of Arkansas
Nick Smith Jr. Stats 2022-23: 25.8 minutes, 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 37.6 FG%, 33.8 3PT%
Nick Smith Jr. Preview
Smith Jr. has declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after only one season with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was a five-star recruit and decided to stay home in Arkansas even though he had many options after being ranked the #3 guard in the country. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury at the beginning of his freshman year with the Razorbacks which will definitely cost him at the draft.
Nick Smith Jr. Strengths
Smith Jr. is a combo guard that can play in both front court positions which would give many options to the team that will decide to go with him in the draft. Smith Jr. has the necessary athleticism for the big league and will be a problem for any defender given his quickness. He is quick both with or without the ball and can finish above the rim which makes people compare him to De’Aaron Fox. Others see him as a versatile scorer like Jamal Crawford once was. Being only 19 years old, he has a huge potential in front of him and may end up being one of the steals in this year’s draft.
Nick Smith Jr. Weaknesses
Smith Jr. is listed as 185 pounds or 83 kilos and it is questionable if he weighs even that much. Even if he does, that is pretty slim built for the NBA. His body frame gives him the quickness he has, but he will definitely need some time to put on some muscles, and that gives him limited minutes in the first couple of months, especially if he ends up in a team who has the guard spots already covered. The shooting percentages from his lone year at Arkansas are unacceptable for the NBA. The recent knee injury is another fact that does not go in his favor.
Nick Smith Jr. Projection
Smith Jr. is definitely a first-rounder and he would probably be selected somewhere between the 20th and 25th pick. The Brooklyn Nets have back-to-back selections at No. 21 and No. 22 and they will most likely go with Smith Jr. if he is still available at that point. The Nets are in a rebuilding process and would have great use of a young and talented combo guard.
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