Mavs Sign Their Former Lottery Pick, but Does It Matter?

The Dallas Mavericks made headlines this week with the signing of point guard Dennis Smith Jr., the 2017 ninth overall pick. He was signed to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract. On the surface, this move sends a jolt of nostalgia through Mavs fans; a familiar face coming back and a full-circle story. Yet this sentiment does not win games. The impact of this signing is to be determined and begs the question: Does this move actually matter for Dallas?

Smith Jr. was seen as the team’s future when entering the league from North Carolina State, where he averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 32 games. The hyper-athletic guard had all-star upside with his high-flying highlights and scoring ability. These skills were overshadowed by the selection of Luka Dončić the next year. He became expendable to the team and was traded to the New York Knicks in 2019, playing only two seasons in Dallas.

In those two seasons with the Mavs, Smith Jr. averaged 14.5 points and 4.9 assists in over 100  games. He finished fifth in the 2017 Rookie of the Year voting. Since New York, he has bounced around the league and world, playing with the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets. This last season, he went to Spain and played for Real Madrid. During these nomadic years, Smith Jr.’s role has evolved. Now, his defense has become his calling card. He has been seen to be quick to the point of attack, with high energy, and the ability to disrupt the passing lanes. With Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL and the Mavs still figuring out their backcourt rotation, Smith could provide beneficial minutes to the team. 

The contract is as low-risk as they come. A non-guaranteed deal means he’ll have to prove himself in training camp this next month. If Smith Jr. does not meet expectations, Dallas can move on with zero cap stress. This could come to fruition with the roster already exceeding 15 standard players. 

To keep him, someone will have to go. If chosen, the Mavs would essentially be betting on Smith Jr.’s veteran savvy and familiarity with the franchise. There’s also the matter of his offensive limitations. He’s never been a reliable shooter, and his decision-making can be streaky. If he is not consistent in his shooting and playmaking ability, it’s hard to imagine him being part of the Mavs’ rotation. 

This move matters, just not in the most beneficial way to the team. It is unlikely Smith Jr. suddenly becomes the player he was once thought to be for Dallas. It does show, however, that the Mavs are looking everywhere for help and still tinkering with their rotation. If he can bring defensive energy, push the pace, and hit enough shots to stay on the floor, he could carve out a niche. If not, this will go down as a short-lived reunion. Either way, Dallas is making the right play; low-risk with potential upside.