Mavericks Player Comparison: Is Dennis Smith Jr the next Russell Westbrook?
By Reid Hanson
Dallas Mavericks rookie, Dennis Smith Jr, has drawn early comparisons to OKC star, Russell Westbrook. We assess how comparable the two players are…
From the moment Dennis Smith Jr was first drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, Russell Westbrook comparisons flowed freely. The temptation to compare the Mavs’ shiny new toy to the reigning NBA MVP is understandable.
Both players have similar games: dynamic ball handlers who can attack and score. And both have similar builds: Smith is 6’3” 195lbs and Westbrook is 6’3” 200lbs. Both were early entries in the draft: Smith played one year of college ball and Westbrook played two. Both are of similar pedigree: Smith was drafted ninth overall this summer and Westbrook was draft fourth overall in 2008. Both also boast extraordinary athletic ability that delivers a steady stream of “wow moments”.
While comparing any rookie to NBA MVP is a leap, comparing these two isn’t as reckless as it initially appeared.
Russell Westbrook
Statistically, last season was a thing of beauty for Russell Westbrook. His record-breaking 42 triple-doubles made him only the second player in the history of the game to average a triple-double over the course of a season. Let that sink in.
The triple-double, a statistic dedicated to highlight players with dominant multifaceted games, was his season benchmark. Westbrook averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists last season.
Whether you think Westbrook is a top-five superstar, or just a second-tier ball hog, the Mavs would thank their lucky stars if their rookie could develop into the OKC point guard.
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Dennis Smith Jr
Dennis Smith Jr brought so much excitement in his summer league play, he’s the early favorite for Rookie of the Year honors. It’s safe to say that before a single regular season game has been played, Smith would be a top-two pick if there was a re-draft today.
Despite the small stature, Smith brings so much athleticism that he’s a force everywhere on the court – including under, around, and above the rim. Smith hit the court running this summer, establishing himself as a budding superstar just months into his professional career.
The effortless strides Smith has taken to make the jump from high school to college, and now seemingly from college to professional, cannot be understated. In fact, his progression is well ahead of his doppelganger, Westbrook.
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College Comparison
Dennis Smith often dominated last season at North Carolina State. His attitude and effort may have been questioned, but his ability was never in doubt. And for good reason. Playing 34.8 minutes per game, Smith shot .455 from the field, averaging 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists.
That may not be triple-double territory but let’s look at what our buddy Westbrook was averaging his final season in college:
After averaging only nine minutes per game a season before, Russell Westbrook took over for UCLA, playing 33.8 minutes per game his second and final season. That 2007-2008 season he shot .464 from the field, averaging 12.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
That compares pretty favorably to Dennis Smith Jr. Additionally, Westbook didn’t have that same man-body we see today. In college, Westbrook was a scrawny 6’3” 187lbs. That’s even smaller than the rail-thin Smith clocks in at 195lbs.
The Verdict?
Dennis Smith Jr doesn’t just compare to Russell Westbrook in the size and statistic department, he’s actually ahead of Westbrook’s curve in both areas. That doesn’t mean he’s destined for league MVP greatness, but it does keep that ceiling as a distinct possibility.
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The era of Dennis Smith Jr has now begun for the Dallas Mavericks and with that beginning comes an infusion of excitement. While the comparisons to Russell Westbrook are there, they are far from a guarantee. Mavs Nation should be excited about Smith’s ceiling.