Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr. poised for stellar rookie campaign
The Dallas Mavericks may have hit the jackpot with rookie draft pick, Dennis Smith Jr., who’s poised for a big year and possibly even Rookie of the Year.
After several years of flopping in the NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks made their dream selection by taking Dennis Smith Jr. with the 9th pick. Smith Jr. has only played two games in a Mavs jersey, but the North Carolina State product already looks like a seasoned veteran.
The Dallas point guard has led his team to a 2-0 start in the Las Vegas Summer League, and his averages are nothing short of impressive: 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals to go along with an efficient 50 percent shooting from the floor and 36.4 percent shooting from behind the arc.
Offensively, DSJ has unveiled a near-full arsenal of moves. His lethal first step has opened the door for several acrobatic finishes at the rim. Step back jumpers and fantastic passes have been on display as well, and it has not mattered who is guarding him. Even Josh Jackson, arguably the best defender in the 2017 NBA Draft, could not lock Smith Jr. down.
One long-time NBA scout said he believes Mavericks guard Dennis Smith will be the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 9, 2017
Despite being considered a passive defender in his lone year of college hoops, Dennis Smith Jr. has expressed a willingness to improve on that side of the ball – and it has shown on the court thus far.
The athleticism Smith Jr. possesses is something the Mavericks have never had at the point guard position. Whispers of comparisons to pre-injury Derrick Rose are beginning to surface. Is it too early for that? Probably. Nevertheless, the Dallas Phenom is turning many heads this offseason.
Rookie Expectations
So what exactly is expected of the newest Mavs’ lottery pick in year one? Well, that is up to Rick Carlisle. Dallas’ head coach has a plethora of options at point guard to choose from, and allocating minutes among the likes of Smith Jr., Yogi Ferrell, and J.J. Barea might be harder to accomplish than it seems.
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DSJ likely gets the nod in the starting lineup, although it is well-known that Carlisle is loyal to his players. Ferrell, who earned an All-Rookie Second Team selection last season, figures to stay heavily in the mix. Barea and Devin Harris are at the tail end of their respective careers, and one of the two – sorry, Devin – could be the odd man out.
Development will be a major focus for Dennis Smith Jr. heading into 2017.
The biggest holes in his game lie on defense. Furthermore, several scouts questioned his level of effort at NC State. Both aspects are fixable, and Smith Jr. is in good hands with the current coaching staff in Dallas.
One thing is certain: Dennis Smith Jr. has oodles of talent. His former high school trainer God Shammgod, currently a Mavericks’ assistant, believes that he is the best player in the draft. Yes, three point guards were taken before DSJ. That only solidifies his status as a dark horse Rookie of the Year candidate.
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A hot start in the Las Vegas Summer League has people around the NBA buying Smith Jr. If he can stay healthy, Dennis Smith Jr. could be the best rookie Dallas has ever had.