3 Former Mavericks Dallas Should Sign for a Reunion This Offseason
By Cem Yolbulan
Dennis Smith Jr.
When Dennis Smith Jr. was selected with the ninth-overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Mavs fans were convinced that they had found their next superstar. His impressive rookie season only added to those expectations. However, once Luka Doncic arrived in Dallas, it was clear that it was going to be his team going forward. Smith Jr. never improved his jump shot and struggled to fit next to Doncic. He was later included in the trade that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas.
Smith Jr. never became the star Mavs fans were hoping for but he managed to turn himself into a valuable role player. He still can't shoot and is a limited offensive player but he has established himself as one of the best defensive guards in the league.
Now hitting free agency at age 26, Smith Jr. is an intriguing target for the Mavericks. He is not a starter at this point in his career but as a defensive specialist and a depth option on the bench, the Mavericks could do much worse.
He would likely only require a minimum contract and if he is open to the idea of reuniting with Luka Doncic, Dennis Smith Jr. should be seriously considered as an option by GM Nico Harrison.