5 Predictions for Dennis Smith Jr.’s Rookie Season

By Isaac Harris

Aug 25, 2017

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Dennis Smith Jr of the Dallas Mavericks poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 15: Dennis Smith Jr. /

2.) Dennis Smith Jr. Will Finish Second on the Team in Scoring

Last year, Harrison Barnes led the team in scoring at 19.2 points per game. Behind him, Nowitzki came in at 14.2, Matthews at 13.5, and Deron Williams at 13.1.

Although I do believe Smith Jr. will put up good scoring numbers in his first year in the league, I don’t believe he will lead the team in scoring. I still give Barnes the nod as the team’s primary scoring option.

But after Barnes, it’s a battle between Nowitzki and Smith Jr. for second on the team in scoring.

As long as Nowitzki stays healthy, I believe he will remain around the 15-16 points a game mark as he will still get his shots each game.

With the role and responsibility that Smith Jr. will have with the offense, I believe he will hover around the 16-17 points a game mark. His transition game, ability to get into the paint and outside shot gives Smith Jr. an all around game that should get him around that scoring mark.