The Brooklyn Nets have seen an incredible amount of talent pass through the organization. High-potential draft prospects and free agents have made a name for themselves in the black-and-white uniform. Some made a great impact from day one, while others have had to revive their careers with the Nets. Dennis Smith Jr. is no exception. The former 2017 lottery pick will be one of the backup guards with much to prove. Can Smith reach the level of play he was once touted for?
How Good Can Dennis Smith Jr. Be for the Brooklyn Nets?
Brief History
The Dallas Mavericks selected Dennis Smith Jr. with the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Smith averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and one steal in his debut season. His numbers slightly decreased over the next two seasons. Eventually, he was traded to the New York Knicks in early 2019 for Kristaps Porzingis. Smith had the makings of a revival with the Knicks. He scored his second-highest average of points in his career with 14.2 per game and dished a career-high 5.4 assists. After 2019, Smith’s numbers decreased significantly. He played for several other teams before finding an opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets in 2023.
Dennis Smith Jr. is Ready to Lead After Finding His Footing
During the 2022-23 season, Smith played off the bench, supporting LaMelo Ball on the Charlotte Hornets. While his production did not reach the levels of his early league days, he averaged his highest amount of points and assists since the 2018-19 season. Smith seemed to find his footing in his new role. Now, he will have an even larger role with the Brooklyn Nets.
Brooklyn has recently lost multiple point guards. The list includes Kyrie Irving, Patty Mills, and Edmond Sumner. The Nets have Ben Simmons and Spencer Dinwiddie but need a new spark off the bench. As a result, Dennis Smith Jr. has the perfect opportunity to keep Brooklyn’s production going while the starters are out of the game.
Having Smith come off the bench is a luxury for any team. After all, he was once seen as a high-flying offensive player with great defensive prowess. Smith is a Swiss Army Knife on the basketball court and appears ready to contribute to the Nets.
Smith is a Great Fit for the Nets’ Defensive Schemes
Apparently, Smith told Head Coach Jacque Vaughn that Brooklyn’s ability to switch defenders fits his game well.
“I’m explaining to [Vaughn] that I see [Brooklyn’s] scheme is a switching thing, but that’s what makes me unique on defense. I can get through ball screens and navigate and things like that,” Smith explained via Erik Slater.
On the offensive side, the Brooklyn Nets need a facilitator off the bench. Smith is more than capable of getting his teammates involved, as seen recently from his stint with the Hornets. In addition, his slashing ability should create looks for fellow second-unit players Cam Thomas, Lonnie Walker IV, and Dariq Whitehead.
The Last Word: Dennis Smith Jr. Will Exceed Expectations
Smith appears to have brought great intensity to training camp. If he keeps it up, he will see a career year with the Nets. Look for Smith to be amongst the top point guards in the league for defensive plus-minus. On the offensive side, he has the potential to be Brooklyn’s best bench playmaker. Smith’s impact will depend on how many minutes he gets, but if he can average close to what he produced with the Hornets, the Brooklyn Nets will be thrilled.
