Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr. is an underrated starting PG

In the NBA, the point guard position is probably the most prolific across the board. With a number of All-Star caliber point guards across the league, how does Dallas Mavericks starting point guard, Dennis Smith Jr., compare to the rest of the NBA?

The Dallas Mavericks have had some great point guards throughout the history of the franchise. From Brad Davis to Steve Nash to Jason Kidd and everyone in between, the Mavs have been very fortunate with the court generals they have had through the years.

Now they have a top 10 pick and one of the most explosive players in the NBA at the helm in Dennis Smith Jr. Dennis Smith is as athletically gifted as it gets, but he has also shown some solid shooting and great clutch play during his lone NBA season thus far. Heading into his sophomore year, DSJ is looking to take a big step in his game alongside a few more contributors than last season.

A recent post ranking the 30 starting point guards in the league was posted by Hoops Habit. You can read that here. I have to say I agree with the order that the writer has put the point guards in, aside from Dennis Smith. I know I have plenty of bias towards the youngster from NC State, but I believe he will prove my case this coming season.

The article has DSJ ranked at 20th overall. Ahead of him, they have: Reggie Jackson (#19), Dejounte Murray (#18), D’Angelo Russell (#17), and Lonzo Ball (#16). I think that you can make the argument that DSJ should be ahead of all these guys after what he showed he is capable of doing last season. If I were trying to be as unbiased as possible, I would at least have him at #17.

DSJ has a lot to prove, that is definitely true, but he has also put in a lot of work this summer. He understands that this could be his breakout year and he is willing to do what it takes to make it count. The additions of DeAndre Jordan and Luka Doncic are going to help him and Harrison Barnes out a lot with their spacing which is exactly what DSJ needs.

The Mavs are putting a lot of faith in Dennis Smith making a big step this season and I think that it is really going to pay off. Be ready for an improved DSJ this season, ready to prove the doubters wrong once again.