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Hornets’ Ish Smith, Leaky Black talk path to NBA from Concord

CHARLOTTE — It’s difficult enough for an athlete to achieve his dream of making it to the NBA.

Now imagine two players, on the same team, from the same hometown, living out that dream within minutes of the area they grew up.

That’s the current reality for Charlotte Hornets guard Ish Smith and forward Leaky Black, both of Concord.

Smith, 35, said he was ready to retire before returning to Charlotte, but has since been able to guide Black, 24, during his rookie season.

“I’ll tell you this much, I never question how the Lord orchestrates things,” Ish Smith said. “So for me, it’s ironic how he brought us together.”

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s DaShawn Brown spoke with both about their careers and the impact on the Cabarrus County community.


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