Michael Jordan?s Big Gamble with 24-Year-Old Star Is Putting the NBA on Notice

One of Michael Jordan?s post-retirement investments is not playing out as he had probably expected it to. The Charlotte Hornets owned by MJ are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with only three wins for the 2022-23 season. The team has had an abysmal start to the season. But they do have a silver lining. A former Wolfpack player riddled with controversies is having the best season of his NBA career.?

Dennis Smith Jr. is on an exceptional form in the 2022-23 season, becoming the Hornets’ only hope at achieving a respectable position in the league table. The 24-year-old finally has his first season with regular playing time and is showcasing his talents.

Michael Jordan and his new Hornets bet

Michael Jordan would not be happy with the position that the Charlotte Hornets are currently in. However, he would have hope for the future. Dennis Smith Jr. is on fire this season and has put the league on notice. The NBA has many special youngsters and the former Wolfpack player is one of them.

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Smith Jr. never got the opportunity to play regularly in the NBA ever since he came in. He played a meager 37 games for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2021-22 season. The youngster had a tough start to his professional career with the controversies he was in.?

A former Adidas consultant reportedly gave $40,000 to Wolfpack?s asst. coach in 2015, in order to facilitate the money back to the young basketball star?s parents. This controversy must?ve troubled the youngster, as it became huge news for the time. There were eyes and media set on the then 17-year-old, which must?ve been scary for the youngster.

Meanwhile, Dennis Smith Jr. is currently on fire as he was recently named Hornet?s MVP for October. The 24-year-old is 5th in Steals in the NBA, and leading for the Hornets in Steals and Assists.?

Despite his last match against Miami Heat ending in defeat, the 24-year-old showed a great performance all around. He is averaging 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 13 games this season. Therefore, it is clear that MJ’s big gamble in hiring the controversial star is paying off.

The Wolfpack controversy

During the 2016-17 season of college basketball, it was alleged that a certain Wolfpack player was paid money to attend NC State college. The player in question Dennis Smith Jr. has since denied the allegations and moved on to his career in the NBA.

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As a result of the allegations, Dennis Smith Jr. was banned from college basketball for the season. The player can finally put all of that into his past and showcase his talent in the NBA.