Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr. is the fastest player in NBA

The Dallas Mavericks held their media day on Sept. 21, and Coach Rick Carlisle shared his thoughts on the speed of Dennis Smith Jr.

The Dallas Mavericks are expecting a jump from second-year point guard Dennis Smith Jr. this season.  He averaged 15.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.8 turnovers in 29.7 minutes per game last season.  The shooting percentages were poor, and the Mavs only won 24 games.

Now in year two, DSJ appears ready to continue starting, but play more minutes.  He will be asked to play off the ball some with the addition of Luka Doncic, but that could do wonders in improving his efficiency.

Coach Carlisle heaps on the praise

Most know Smith Jr. for his highlight-reel dunks and incredible leaping ability, but Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle is impressed by other things.  He had this to say during media day courtesy of Brad Townsend.

Carlisle did not stop there, though.  He also shared this quote courtesy of Isaac Harris.

Coach Carlisle may not be wrong with either assessment.  His perception may be skewed by the Mavs recent crop of point guards, though.  Those players include an over 30 year old Deron Williams, Raymond Felton, Rajon Rondo, Jose Calderon, and Darren Collison.  None of those players had blazing speed during their time in Dallas.  Monta Ellis a combo guard may be the fastest player on the recent Mavs.

None of that should take away from Smith Jr. and his blazing speed, though.  Fellow second-year point guard De’Aaron Fox and All-Stars like John Wall may attempt to lay claim to fastest player in the NBA, but DSJ is definitely in the conversation.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle lays claim to the fact that Dennis Smith Jr. is the fastest player on the court.  The second-year point guard is a lot of fun to watch.  Smith Jr. could blossom into one of the league’s top young players with improved efficiency this season.

Coach Carlisle sounded excited about DSJ’s season and fans should be too.  He could play a massive part in the Mavericks return to playoff contention.  Stay tuned.

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