Dallas Mavericks Open Practice: Yogi-Mania is Not Going to Die Out Yet

The third and final post about yesterday’s open practice and the things that stuck out to me has to do with none other than Yogi Ferrell, who has been showing that he deserves to stay relevant since the beginning of the summer.

In one of the first plays of yesterday’s scrimmage for the Dallas Mavericks, Yogi Ferrell attacked the rim from the right side, jumped, contorted his body around the attempted block, and finished the layup on the other side. The crowd cheered but, in reality, most people have grown accustomed to impressive play from Yogi.

The fact is, Yogi Ferrell still plays at 100 miles per hour from start to finish, no matter how tired or fatigued he might be. That is something that Dallas fans are allowed to get used to because it is not going to change. Unlike many rookies, Yogi hit the floor running in Dallas and has not slowed down.

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) /

Dennis Smith Jr. is an unbelievable talent and will have some great success in the NBA almost assuredly. Problem is, he is going to take time to get where he needs to be. Watching DSJ play is a site to behold, but there really is no doubt that he is going to have some growing pains this season.

When those pains start to his, the Mavs are going to be able to turn to Yogi Ferrell for answers. He may never be the player that Junior can be, but he is ready for the NBA right now. Dallas fans do not need to fret when they see the initial struggles of DSJ because Yogi-mania lives on and he will continue to impress, despite some of the discouragement he has received.

Long story short, Dennis Smith Jr. will continue to show some of the same initial struggles once the season starts. It is almost inevitable for a guy like DSJ to not have some difficulties starting off, but the Mavs are going to be able to turn to Yogi in those times of struggle.

Next: Mavs Open Practice: Is Salah the Odd Man Out?

Yogi may not be the starter and he may not always get the time he deserves off the bench, but he is still going to impress fans despite all of that. Yogi-mania will live on in Dallas and we should feel lucky for the opportunity to see it yet again.

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