About two months ago, Dennis Smith Jr. was still without a team just days before training camps were set to begin around the NBA. Fast forward a few weeks later and he’s guarding the reigning NBA Finals MVP in Steph Curry on the final possession of regulation in what eventually became a 120-113 overtime victory for the Charlotte Hornets over Golden State.
My, how things can change quickly for the better when preparation and readiness meet opportunity. And right now, few players deserve some good fortune more than Smith.
“I had to work my butt off this summer,” he said, following his 13-point, nine-rebound, eight-assist performance against Golden State on Oct.