Dallas Mavericks: Enter the Future of newest Maverick Dennis Smith Jr

The Dallas Mavericks selected Dennis Smith Jr. from North Carolina State at #9 in the NBA Draft. Now, he’ll embrace the future at point guard for the Dallas Mavericks.

The beginning of the future took place for the Dallas Mavericks as soon as the 9th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft was announced.

“With the ninth pick in the NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select Dennis Smith Jr, from North Carolina State,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

The Mavericks brass and management team stood on edge as the names were called one by one. Many fans wondered the strategy of the team. So many talks about needing a point guard and possible interest in young veterans became every day media stories.

Little did we know that Mark Cuban, Donnie Nelson and Rick Carlisle had everything under control.

“This is the guy we were after,” said Nelson.

The Mavericks haven’t had much success when it came to the draft in recent years. The most notable name was Justin Anderson, traded this past season for Nerlens Noel. In drafting a young talent in Smith, Dallas finally has a cornerstone of players to build around.

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dennis Smith, Jr. (NC State) is interviewed after being introduced as the number nine overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

What does Dennis Smith, Jr. bring to the Dallas Mavericks?

At 6′ 3″, 195 lbs, Dennis Smith, Jr. is one explosive point guard. He has excellent scoring potential and he is able to create his own plays. An aggressive attacker that can shoot off the dribble and pass. Defense may be his only lacking ability, yet a coach like Rick Carlisle can make adjustments for the betterment of the team. Every draft pick will need development in the adjustments from college to pro ball.

Will he start game one of next season?

I would certainly hope so. The Dallas Mavericks are pressing the issue of Smith being the go-to guy to run the offense. Dallas was adamant in addressing the need at point guard. Furthermore ,Smith has Wes Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki, Nerlens Noel (if resigned) and Yogi Ferrell. Barring any trades or free agency moves, Smith can help bring explosiveness to the offense.

Jan 23, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket against Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) in the first half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

The X-Factor?

Playmakers don’t just create plays, they become the focal points on opponent scouting reports.

Dennis Smith, Jr. can create in many different ways. His athletic ability was recognized by teams before the draft began. Quickness, speed and leaping ability creates problems for defenders in transition. Most of all, he’s a guy who will go and get the win. Despite tearing his ACL in 2015, if healthy, he’ll definitely be a force to deal with.

Next: Yogi Ferrell Makes NBA All-Rookie 2nd Team

The Dallas Mavericks can breathe. Not only did they fill their most important need, they got the target they aimed for. Hopefully, this is the beginning of something beautiful in the near MFFL future.