NBA DRAFT

June 22, 2023

Nick Smith Jr.

Q. Please start off with an opening statement about what you'll bring to the Hornets.

NICK SMITH JR.: Yeah, I feel like I bring the competitive spirit to the Hornets. Just a vibe of trying to compete at all times, trying to work, trying to get better, have an open mind, try to learn a lot of things. Just stuff like that.

Q. I know the moment is still sort of soaking in, but when you just think about the differences from the NCAA level to the NBA game, what are they and how does that affect your game?

NICK SMITH JR.: Well, obviously it's more spacing on the floor than the collegiate game. I feel like not really knowing everything about that because obviously I haven't been a part of a team in the NBA, but just seeing different actions on the floor, just different terminologies people use in the NBA, it's a lot more stuff people use than college.

I feel like college is more strategic about things. The NBA is, too, but I feel like it's just a little different. If you ask me that question like three or four years from now, I feel like I could give you a complete answer.

Q. How familiar are you with Brandon Miller's game, and how excited are you to team up with him in Charlotte?

NICK SMITH JR.: I've basically played with Brandon since ninth grade, eighth grade. Very familiar with him. He's a good player. Can score at all three levels. Tremendous transition blocker. I feel like he can do a lot of things for a team to help win, and he's super competitive.

Q. Nick, you'll be going to a Hornets team that has LaMelo Ball and some good guards there. What do you feel you can contribute right away to possibly get into the Hornets' rotation?

NICK SMITH JR.: Right away? I'm not sure. I haven't been to a workout or anything. I've talked to him a few (times), but just learning a lot of different things from him especially. And my boy Miles, been working out with him a couple times in L.A. It's going to be cool, I guess (smiling). Just got to figure it out. You might not play, the first year, might not play for 20 games. You never know. All you've got to do is wake up and go to work every day.