Dallas Mavericks 2017-18 projected starting lineup

Point Guard: Dennis Smith Jr.

Rick Carlisle could start Yogi or Seth Curry at the point, but Smith Jr. makes too much sense. His stellar Summer League efforts proved that he is ready for a sizable role in the NBA.

In his lone year at NC State, Dennis averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. The six games in Las Vegas yielded similar numbers (17.3, 4.2, and 4.8), and his effort on defense (13 steals) was an unexpected plus.

Smith Jr. could very well be capable of logging some serious minutes from the beginning. Ultimately, it comes down to how deep Carlisle wants his rotation at point guard. Ferrell is fresh off an All-Rookie Second Team selection, although he will be best utilized as a role player off the bench. Curry can play point as well as the two-guard, which sets him up perfectly as a spark-plug sixth man for the Mavs.

The ninth overall pick in this year’s draft is a dark horse for Rookie of the Year. DSJ’s athleticism is better than anyone else’s in recent Mavericks history. It will be on full display for the basketball world in late October. Playing alongside Dirk won’t hurt his development, either.