5 Free agents the Dallas Mavericks should sign to fill gaping hole

4. Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr. has been missed by Dallas Mavericks fans ever since the team traded him as part of the Kristaps Porzingis, and now is the perfect time for the Mavs to bring him home. Smith Jr.'s most productive seasons came as members of the Mavs, and they just happen to need backcourt depth.

It has been rumored that the Mavs are looking to upgrade their backcourt off the bench, and Dallas has been linked to him. Smith Jr.'s defense has become elite over the last few years, and he may be the missing piece for this team to return to the NBA Finals next season.

Smith Jr. is one of the best guard defenders in the NBA as he has great hands and anticipation, and he leaves ball handlers with no airspace when fully engaged. He is one of the best free agents that remain on the open market, and the Mavs could likely get him for a bargain.

Offensively, Smith Jr. is a good slasher with outstanding athleticism who is never afraid to try to dunk on someone. He isn't the same scorer that Mavs fans saw during his rookie year, but his playmaking has improved and his role has decreased as he has bounced around the NBA.

The Mavs wouldn't be signing Smith Jr. for his scoring, but his defense and potential ability to lead the second unit and create some would help the Mavs bench.