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

By Kohl Rast

Aug 24, 2017

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) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks to pass the ball as he drives against Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks during a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 108-98. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

3. Preseason Predictions

A post came out earlier this week about Dennis Smith Jr. being voted by his rookie peers as most likely to win “Rookie of the Year” and also “most athletic”. Both of these awards should tell you a lot about the 9th overall pick in the draft. How does a guy like DSJ drop to the Mavericks and then get picked as the best rookie of the year? Especially considering he has a long way to go before reaching his potential.

Aside from the rookies, many NBA analysts and professionals have had similar opinions about the youngster from NC State. His abilities go beyond the basketball court , though, as he has proven to be a bright, humble young man with a chip on his shoulder. That is a heck of a combination.

As with any player, there is no guarantee that success will be had. The constant admiration of DSJ’s play and attitude are pretty nice though, all things considered. There is plenty there to believe that Junior could have an All-Star caliber season this year.

Next: Dallas Mavericks: Relationships Need to be Built Now with Dennis Smith Jr.

Now, we just need to see it.