The Charlotte Hornets are bringing back 13-year veteran guard Ish Smith and waiving guard Edmond Sumner. Smith, 35, went undrafted in 2010 out of Wake Forest University. The North Carolina native is the only player in school history with at least 1,000 points (1,114) and 600 assists (612) in his college career.
Furthermore, Smith has played for 13 teams in his NBA career. The 6-foot guard has played for the Houston Rockets (2010-11 season), Memphis Grizzlies (2010-11 season), Golden State Warriors (2011-12 season), Orlando Magic (2012-13), and Milwaukee Bucks (2012-13 season).
Plus, he also played for the Phoenix Suns (2013-14 season), Oklahoma City Thunder (2014-15 season), Philadelphia 76ers (2014-16), New Orleans Pelicans (2015-16 season), Detroit Pistons (2016-19), Washington Wizards (2019-22), Hornets (2021-22 season), and Denver Nuggets (2022-23 season).
Referring to a few NBA betting sites, the Charlotte Hornets hold 30th-ranked odds to win this season’s 2024 championship. Sportsbooks are showing better odds for the Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, and Indiana Pacers.
The Charlotte Hornets are signing veteran guard Ish Smith, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Year 14 for Smith. Hornets are waiving Edmond Sumner to make roster space.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2023
Through 762 career NBA games, Smith has averaged 7.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 42.9% from the floor, 32.3% beyond the arc, and 67.6% at the foul line.
In July 2022, Washington traded the Wake Forest product to Denver. Smith became the only player in NBA history to have played for at least 13 franchises.
Charlotte Hornets bring back veteran guard Ish Smith, cut 2017 second-round pick Edmond Sumner
Last season, Smith made 43 appearances off the bench with the Nuggets. He averaged 2.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 9.3 minutes per game. Plus, the guard shot 39.7% from the field and 50% at the free throw line.
Smith won the 2023 NBA Finals with Denver against the Miami Heat. Of course, it marked the first time in league history a player won a championship with a 13th NBA franchise.
While with the Wizards, in a 128-114 win over Denver on Jan. 4, 2020, he recorded a career-high 32 points in 35 minutes as a reserve. In addition to logging three boards, eight assists, and three steals, he finished 15-of-24 (62.5%) shooting from the floor.
Ish Smith is back. League sources confirm he’s agreed to a deal with the #Hornets. With Frank on crutches and Theo Maledon still getting into game shape, Charlotte adds a backup for LaMelo Ball. https://t.co/PDxLdS41qE
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) October 24, 2023
More importantly, Smith’s addition should help improve the Hornets’ point guard depth. LaMelo Ball remains in a starting role. However, backup Frank Ntilikina is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a fractured tibia.
Smith and Theo Maledon are among the players who will compete for those backup minutes until Ntilikina recovers from his injury.
The Charlotte Hornets host the Atlanta Hawks this Wednesday in their 2023-24 season opener.
