2017 NBA Mock Draft: The worst picks every team can make
By Chris Stone
tweeted that he’s “always felt Dennis Smith plays in too much of a self obsessed vacuum,” for example. That statement is arguably reflected by the numbers as Smith struggled more than any of the other top point guards in this class to make his teammates better. From a talent perspective, Smith is a near perfect fit in Dallas. The question is whether or not they’d be able to overcome these potential concerns.
Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.
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Dennis Smith Jr.
PG, North Carolina State
Calling a marriage between Dennis Smith Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks a failure is likely to generate plenty of pushback. The reasons are understandable. The 6-foot-3 point guard arguably has the second highest upside in the draft behind Washington’s Markelle Fultz and Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle has a history of getting the most out of his lead guards. The Mavericks also need a long-term solution at the point guard spot even with Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell on the roster. Smith can potentially be that. His explosive athleticism and burst give him the ability to create offense in ways that most other players can’t. Smith is also a totally serviceable jump shooter and he can set up his teammates well once he gets into the lane.
So, what’s the problem? There are some real questions about Smith’s attitude that might not gel well with Carlisle. 247Sports’ Director of Scouting Jerry Meyer previously tweeted that he’s “always felt Dennis Smith plays in too much of a self obsessed vacuum,” for example. That statement is arguably reflected by the numbers as Smith struggled more than any of the other top point guards in this class to make his teammates better. From a talent perspective, Smith is a near perfect fit in Dallas. The question is whether or not they’d be able to overcome these potential concerns.