Recent NBA champion lands with new team

The most traveled player in NBA history is on the move once again.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Tuesday that veteran guard Ish Smith has signed with the Charlotte Hornets. With the new season about to begin, the Hornets are waiving fellow guard Edmond Sumner to make room for Smith on the roster.

Smith, 35, made history last season when he joined the Denver Nuggets, the 13th team of his NBA career (no player had ever played for 13 or more). The 13th time would end up being the charm for Smith too as he won his first career ring with Denver (making 47 total appearances for them last year between the regular season and the playoffs).

The Hornets were already one of Smith’s prior franchises — he played for them briefly during the 2021-22 season. While Smith, who averaged only 2.5 points and 2.3 assists per game last season, is not very productive any more, he is a respected veteran who should help a young Charlotte team badly in need of guidance.