Why The Ish Smith Signing Was Long Overdue

Honestly, I can't sit here and claim I've been clamouring for the Hornets to sign Ish Smith for the entire off-season. However, I have consistently voiced my concerns over Charlotte's options behind LaMelo Ball (See below). After losing Dennis Smith Jr Charlotte either lacked urgency or were unsuccessful in finding a proven, reliable back-up point guard. The team settled on Ntilikina who has had success in the NBA as a 3&D wing, but has struggled as a ball handler and has now picked up a medium term injury.

If the Hornets are serious about making the playoffs, I think they need to add to their back-court before the start of the season.

This isn't a rebuilding year where you give reps to NSJ, they want to compete.
— James Plowright (@British_Buzz) October 21, 2023

Going into training camp I viewed the back-up guard position as the biggest weakness on the roster, and that was before Frank Ntilikina and Theo Maledon picked up injuries. We already saw LaMelo Ball having his minutes staggered to play with the second unit due to the lack of confidence in Charlotte's options. Without Ball the second unit struggled throughout pre-season with both Ntilikina and Edmond Sumner at the helm sending my levels of concern spiralling to DEFCON 1 levels. The Hornets finally addressed the issue on Tuesday afternoon, waiving Sumner and signing free agent point guard Ish Smith.

Of course, this is the second time round in Charlotte for Ish Smith. He signed a two year deal in 2021 before Devonte Graham and LaMelo Ball development made Smith surplus to requirements, he was traded at the deadline to Washington with Vernon Carey to acquire Montrezl Harrell. There were certainly some high points in that stint, with Smith leading the Hornets to a 117-114 win over the Los Angeles Lakers going for 22 points, five assists, and one block. There was also the win against the Cavaliers where Head Coach James Borrego opted to keep then rookie LaMelo on the bench in favor of Smith. The decision drew criticism from some Hornets fans, but Borrego was vindicated as the Hornets came back in the 4th quarter to win the game. Don't worry, that's not happening this year.

Ish Smith Saves the Day for the Hornets

So why am I excited to sign a 35 year old journeyman who the 29 other teams turned down the chance to sign this summer?

Ish Smith is one of the most experienced point guards in the league, he's played for a record 13 different franchises over 14 years. Fresh off winning a championship with the Denver Nuggets last season, there isn't a system or situation he hasn't experienced. When it comes to a "Break in Case of Emergency" guard, Smith fits the bill.

Smith excels in transition which fits well within the Hornets system. He struggles with scoring efficency, but his teammates and coaches love him due to his ability to create for others and effectively run the offense. Smith's addition will take pressure off rookie Brandon Miller, who was set to enter the year as the only healthy creator. Nick Richards, JT Thor and Bryce McGowens each have their strengths, but creating for others isn't one of them.

Despite being undersized at 6ft nothing and in his elder years, Smith is still a disruptive defender. He has quick, strong hands which help him have a higher block rate than anyone should of his stature. He's a ferocious defensive rebounder, ripping down boards to boost his team's offensive pace. Despite his glove like fit into Clifford's system, we can't ignore his shortcomings. Smith struggles to shoot from the outside, and his rim finishing has deteriorated as he's lost a step over the years. Opposing teams will dare Smith to shoot, will he make enough to keep them honest? We're going to find out.

At 35 years old, this might be the Charlotte native's last rodeo playing in his home state. Smith has struggled in recent years to maintain his level of play for 82 games, the good news is Charlotte don't need him to. Smith is a short term fix, by January Maledon should be fully healthy, Ntilikina back on the court and who knows, even Cody Martin might be healthy. At that point Charlotte can decide which option is best, but in the meantime Smith gives the team a proven, trusted back-up with a strong veteran presence. Something this roster has been in need of from the moment Dennis Smith Jr left.

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