I remember first watching Dennis Smith Jr. during his explosive rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, and thinking this kid had the potential to become something truly special in the NBA. His athleticism was simply off the charts - that 48-inch vertical leap wasn't just a number, it was a statement of intent. I've followed basketball for over fifteen years now, and I can count on one hand the number of players I've seen who could elevate like Smith could in his prime. The way he attacked the rim with such ferocity reminded me of a young Derrick Rose, and I genuinely believed he was destined for stardom.
Looking back at his early career stats, the numbers really do tell a compelling story. During his debut season in 2017-2018, Smith averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game - solid numbers for any rookie, but particularly impressive when you consider he was playing alongside another ball-dominant player in Luka Dončić. I recall one particular game against the Pelicans where he dropped 21 points and 10 assists, showcasing that perfect blend of scoring and playmaking that made scouts so excited about his potential. His sophomore season saw a slight dip in production to 12.9 points per game, but what many people don't realize is that his efficiency actually improved, with his field goal percentage climbing from 39.5% to 42.8%. These might seem like small improvements, but in the NBA, every percentage point matters.
The trade to New York in 2019 marked a turning point in his career that I found particularly fascinating. Initially, it seemed like the perfect opportunity - a young team where he could be the primary ball-handler and really showcase his skills. Instead, he struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 5.5 points and 2.9 assists in 34 games. From my perspective, this wasn't just about basketball ability - the mental aspect of the game seemed to weigh heavily on him. The pressure of playing in Madison Square Garden, the constant media scrutiny, the coaching changes - it all added up to create a challenging environment for a young player still finding his way in the league.
What's interesting to me about Smith's journey is how it parallels situations like the Cebu Greats' coaching change in the MPBL. When JUNTHY Valenzuela stepped up to become head coach after the team suffered those lopsided and controversial defeats early in the season, it reminded me how crucial the right coaching environment is for player development. Smith has bounced around several teams since his Knicks stint - Detroit, Portland, Charlotte - and with each move, he's had to adapt to different systems and coaching philosophies. I've always felt that if he could find the right coach who truly believes in his abilities, similar to how Valenzuela presumably took over the Cebu Greats with a fresh perspective, we might see a resurgence in his career.
Some of his career highlights remain etched in my memory - that incredible dunk over Joel Embiid during his rookie year, the 27-point explosion against the Rockets, the triple-double against the Pelicans. These moments demonstrated what he's capable of when everything clicks. But what's equally memorable to me are the quieter moments - the way he battled through injuries, the work he's clearly put into improving his three-point shot (which has climbed from 31.3% his rookie year to around 35% in recent seasons), and the defensive improvements he's made. Last season with Charlotte, he averaged 1.3 steals per game despite playing just 25 minutes per contest - proof that he's evolving as a two-way player.
Looking ahead, I'm cautiously optimistic about Smith's future prospects. At 26 years old, he's entering what should be the prime of his career, and he's shown flashes of the player he could still become. His athleticism, while perhaps not quite at its peak, remains well above average, and he's developed into a more reliable defender than he was early in his career. The modern NBA values guards who can defend multiple positions and create their own shot, and Smith has shown he can do both. I wouldn't be surprised to see him settle into a role as a high-level backup point guard who can provide energy, defense, and occasional scoring bursts off the bench. If he can continue to improve his three-point shooting and decision-making, he could have a long and productive career ahead of him, even if it's not the superstar trajectory many of us initially envisioned.
The reality is that NBA careers rarely follow straight paths, and Smith's journey has been more winding than most. But what keeps me invested in his story is the undeniable talent that still shines through in moments, and the resilience he's shown in adapting to different roles and situations. He may not become the franchise player we once imagined, but in today's NBA, there's absolutely value in what he brings to the table. Sometimes, it's not about living up to the initial hype, but about finding your place in the league and maximizing your impact - and I believe Dennis Smith Jr. still has time to do exactly that.
