Dallas Mavericks: Could Dennis Smith Jr. Make the All-Star Team?

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TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /

The hype for Dennis Smith Jr. is real as Dallas Mavericks fans are not the only ones looking forward to seeing him play. If he meets his expectations, could DSJ be considered for the All-Star team?

Usually while covering the Dallas Mavericks, I am one of the first to tell people not to get ahead of themselves. Lots of the moves the Mavs make look good on paper but take some time to develop. I don’t want people to be less excited about the things Dallas does, I just want them to relax their expectations.

TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA rookie photo shoot on August 11, 2017 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

This time, it’s different.

I have no recollection in my mind of being more excited about a player of any sport or for any team than I am for Dennis Smith Jr. And the reason for that is simply because I have never seen a player quite like Junior. We have seen athletic players before. But, his level of athleticism is difficult to fathom.

Now, obviously athleticism is not the most important trait to being a good basketball player, but it certainly helps. DSJ is more than just a high flyer though, he really plays the game well. He can finish at the rim, he can shoot, he can pass, he can grab rebounds, and he is showing that he is a capable defender as well.

I am not saying that Junior is going to make the All-Star team this year. It would be a bit crazy to make that kind of prediction. However, I do believe he has the chance to make the game. Here are three reasons why.