Nick Smith Jr. injury update: Eric Musselman provides latest on Arkansas freshman's status
Nick Smith Jr. is expected to be a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, perhaps going as high as No. 3 overall.
But so far during his freshman season at Arkansas, he’s been unable to stay on the court while dealing with a right knee issue.
Thus far in 2022-23, Smith has appeared in only 5 games. When he’s been on the court, he’s been exciting to watch, averaging 12.8 points per game.
But, on Sunday, Eric Musselman revealed to college hoops insider Jeff Goodman that Smith would be out at least through the end of January.
Musselman said the plan is for Smith to return to the Hogs in February as long as he’s fully healthy:
Eric Musselman said Nick Smith Jr. will miss the rest of January while rehabbing his right knee in Los Angeles.
For those saying he isn’t coming back, I’ve been told by a source close to situation the plan is for Smith to return in February — as long as he’s 100 percent.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 8, 2023
If Smith is healthy and playing down the stretch for Arkansas, the Hogs will be even more dangerous. As things stand right now, they’re off to a slow start to SEC play, going 1-2 in their first 3 league games.
At this point, I’d just as soon he stay in LA. I’m not looking forward to following Kentuckys path of “one & done”. Would rather see a team of 4 stars develop, rather than a group of 5 stars who are more concerned with protecting their NBA status.
Plus IF he come back, (which I doubt), will the chemistry of the team be impacted.
Lastly, how can he be in LA and considered an Arkansas student?
Online classes, probably.
We might as well enjoy all the one-and-dones we can get our hands on. Because in this day of the unlimited transfer portal, every player on the roster is potentially a one-and-done. I’d rather have a five star give us a great year and go pro, than have a four-star give us a year and then leave for greener pastures. The old days of players coming in and staying for four years are gone, and they’re not coming back, sadly.
Well, right now “the chemistry of the team” is heavily based on being utterly unable to hit an outside shot, so …