Dennis Smith Jr. Makes 2022 Opening Night Roster for the Charlotte Hornets

Former NC State Point Guard Dennis Smith Jr. has made the 2022 Opening Night roster for the Charlotte Hornets. While the NBA Season officially starts tonight, the Hornets’ will kickoff their season tomorrow night at San Antonio.

Back on September 21st, Charlotte signed Smith Jr to a 1-year deal. The contract was non-guaranteed, but could be worth up to $2.1 million

There were questions on whether or not Smith Jr would find a significant enough roll on the Hornets to justify a roster spot, but a few things have happened that have improved his stock.

Star Point Guard Lamelo Ball is out for the beginning of the season with an ankle sprain, and James Bouknight was arrested for a DWI on Sunday.

Also, in 3 preseason games, DSJ was productive, averaging 6.7 points in 16.0 minutes.

Smith Jr. is entering his 6th year in the NBA after earning ACC Freshman of the Year honors at NC State. The Hornets are DSJ’s 5th NBA Squad, having played for Dallas, Detroit, New York, Portland in his first 5 seasons.

Through 216 NBA games (135 starts), Smith Jr has averaged 10.7 points and 4.2 assists per game.