#html-body [data-pb-style=O641GT0]{justify-content:flex-start;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-position:left top;background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-attachment:scroll}On June 22nd, 2023, Nick Smith Jr. was able to live every athlete's dreams. That night he heard his name called off the draft board for the NBA draft. He was selected 27th overall to the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets, who were already stacked with young talent, added another key piece when drafting Smith Jr. He was one of the top talents in high school which earned him a scholarship to play for the University of Arkansas. Smith Jr. battled through injuries at Arkansas which made him slide further in the draft, but the Hornets quickly discovered that Smith Jr. was a steal at the #27 spot.This image is autographed by Nick Smith Jr. with a silver paint pen. Smith Jr.'s signature was witnessed by an Upper Deck Authenticated representative as part of UDA's 5-step authentication process.