The Dallas Mavericks may have finally found their answer for a new face of the franchise in Dennis Smith Jr.
The Dallas Mavericks have been in search of a starting caliber point guard since Jason Kidd’s departure in 2012. Since Kidd’s exit from the team, the starting guard position for Dallas has been inconsistent.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has had to insert offensive minded guards in Rajon Rondo, Jose Calderon, Deron Williams, Raymond Felton and Devin Harris as his lead-man of the offense. All of the aforementioned guards would go on to becoming bench players a few seasons after their farewell from Dallas.
The Mavericks had starting guards capable for middle of the pack teams. Knowing Mark Cuban, being middle of the pack isn’t where he wants to be. Especially after the organizations first championship win in 2011, and the team’s inability to recover any semblance of what they were during that magical run.
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It’s unlikely the team will be in serious contention with Dirk Nowitzki, 39, as his best years have come and gone as the face of the franchise. With his retirement imminent, the team is prepared for the transition with the addition of Dennis Smith Jr., the No. 9 pick of the 2017 draft.
With Smith, the team has possibly solved two issues. 1.) A young athletic scoring guard, who can play defense. 2.) A possible franchise player.
Smith Jr. falling into the laps of Dallas is what they’ve hoped for, and him impressing in Summer League has made the front office look like geniuses. In six games out in Las Vegas, the former Wildcat averaged 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.1 steals. All that while posting a slashline of .457/.346/.705.
Smith Jr. did what he needed to while participating in Summer League: prove he’s better than the opposition and is too good to be there. He displayed great athletic ability, such as his blow by dunk on Lonzo Ball and his best missed dunk of the summer.
Smith is already reckless with his athletic ability, and that can only help him throughout his career.
With his handles came the ability to create for himself and others. The traits are there for Smith Jr. to have a good rookie year, as he’s a prototypical modern day point guard. For him, the only major concern would be his health. Back in high school he missed his senior season due to a torn ACL. He currently wears leg sleeves, possibly as protection or comfort for his knees.
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Despite the concerns, the future is bright for the Dallas Mavericks with a building block such as Dennis Smith Jr. Only time will tell if he pans out and an appropriate team is constructed around him.