Ish Smith had a heartwarming moment before his team, Charlotte Hornets faced Denver Nuggets today. Smith won the NBA Championship with the Nuggets last season, marking his only championship win to date. DeAndre Jordan presented Ish with his championship ring and other former teammates gathered around him to playfully jump on him and then pay their tributes to the iconic journeyman.
Ish Smith gets mobbed by his former teammates after receiving his Nuggets championship ring 🥹💍pic.twitter.com/GFF4W6v4kr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 2, 2024
Ish played for the Nuggets last year, being a great option for coming off the bench. More than being a regular starter or having prolonged game time, he was a significant presence on the side. He provided motivation and guidance for the players. After the successful campaign with the Nuggets, Ish even considered retirement to join them in a non-playing role. However, the Hornets presented him with a playing opportunity and he joined his hometown team for the second time.
Nuggets love and respect Ish Smith
The presentation was a delightful moment as his former teammates hugged Ish Smith. Nikola Jokić had his moment with Ish as he joked around and played with him, surprising the fans with a rollercoaster of emotions. Every former teammate loves and respects Ish.
Ish Smith finally gets his #Nuggets championship ring, presented to him by DeAndre Jordan.
Couldn't be more clear how much his former Denver teammates love and respect him, and none more than Nikola Jokic.
*feels*#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/aSqqxGvrOc
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) January 2, 2024
Nuggets reporter Katy Winger was emotional as she took to social media to express herself “I laughed I cried Ish Smith deserves it all.”
I laughed I cried Ish Smith deserves it all 🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/qLcQR1KytF
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) January 2, 2024
Ish has played for 13 different franchises and holds the record for that. He is an iconic journeyman and finally, he has had the honor of winning the championship ring. The whole of the NBA community praised Ish Smith for winning the NBA Championship back in June 2023.
The brilliant gesture from the Nuggets emphasizes the fact that Ish and his former team and players are on great terms. Ish Smith has expressed his desire to prepare for a non-playing staff role after he retires and intends to learn from experienced individuals before he makes the transition. It would be no surprise, if we see Ish with the Nuggets in the future, again on the bench, but in a different role.
The game ended in a 111-93 victory for the Nuggets and the Hornets would look to hold their ground against Sacramento Kings to break their 11-game losing streak.
Read more: Nikola Jokić Having Adorable Moment With Daughter Before Nuggets Rout Grizzlies 145-105
