Dallas Mavericks New Era
Dallas Mavericks Quest For A Superstar Floor General?
There was no secret that the Dallas Mavericks have been in rebuild mode for the past few seasons after winning the title in 2011. Dallas made NBA Free Agency runs at Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Mike Conley during the entirety of those years and struck out on them. This left a major vacancy at the point position after the departure of Jason Kidd as well as Jose Calderon. Superstar Guards or players rather, never really took Dallas seriously in NBA Free agency because of the lack of pieces around Dirk. Dallas, knew at this point getting Stars to come to Dallas is unlikely. Especially bringing in players via trade was doubtful with minimal trade assets, it was time for Donnie Nelson, Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks front office to take the NBA Draft seriously and pick a potential superstar with the #9 overall pick.
History of the 9th Overall Pick
The Mavs had a lottery pick for the first time since they selected Robert "Tractor Trailer" Taylor and traded him on draft night for the "Big German" who was drafted 9th originally to the Bucks in the 1998 NBA Draft. The NBA Draft pick number 9 has a good history of producing All-Star level players. Such as Dale Ellis, Rolando Blackman, Charles Oakley, Stacey Augmon, Tracy McGrady, Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire, Gordan Hayward, Kamba Walker, Joakim Noah, and Andre Drummond.
The picks history essentially translates the 9th pick equals Superstar all over it, and the Dallas Mavericks organization knew that deep down so when trades presented themselves the Mavericks said all along the 9th overall pick was not for sale. The NBA Draft for the Mavs looked like the most realistic pick was that Frank Ntilikina who they liked, would fall into there laps at number 9. Mark Cuban did a great job of playing possum by distracting the media into thinking they wanted Frank Ntilikina baldy during the pre-draft process, and that Dennis Smith Jr was there least favorite draft prospect. After the New York Knicks Selected Frank Ntilikina with the 8th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, it was very clear who the Mavericks were picking next.
Dennis Smith Jr Era
Dennis Smith Jr was selected with 9th overall pick in the NBA Draft, to become a Dallas Maverick making him instantly a starter in the Dallas mavericks starting rotation. Dennis Smith Jr is the best player out of this years draft, with his above the rim plays, play making skills, and decent shooting he is one of most NBA ready players I have ever seen coming out of the draft . Smith Jr standing at 6'3 195 pounds has the weight and ideal height to play the position. His wingspan is a concern only being 6'3 and his effort was questioned a lot for his inconsistent play at North Carolina State which caused him to slide in the draft.
However just like many draft picks that have misleading flaws they slide through the cracks and make huge strides into the NBA. Dennis Smith recorded a NCAA leading two triple-doubles. Smith Jr averaged close to a triple double during his one and only season at North Carolina State.
2016-17 Stats North Carolina State University
Games Played 32
Points 18
Rebounds 5
Assist 6
Dennis Smith Jr is coming into the perfect situation with a great Coach like Rick Carlisle and a great team around him. Players like Dirk, Harrison, and Wesley to help him become a great competitor as well as a professional in the process. This is the perfect time to get Coach Carlisle a young player of Dennis Smith Jr stature because, last season he learned to play young guys and they produced. Carlisle did not hold back when discussing drafting Smith Jr.
At this point in time I would project him to be a starter " -Rick Carlisle
Rick Carlisle used words such as, mature, intelligent, confident and game changer when describing Dennis Smith Jr. The starting lineup would be electric with Dennis Smith Jr at the point having shooters like Wes Matthews, Harrison Barnes, Dirk Nowitzki, and Nerlens Noel running off screens and catching lobs. I am getting goosebumps now thinking about it lets look at the Mavs new starting lineup for the 2017-2018 season.
PG. Dennis Smith Jr
SG. Wesley Matthews
SF. Harrison Barnes
PF. Dirk Nowitzki
C . Nerlens Noel
At first glance just looking at this lineup one thing that comes to mind is that the offense has most definitely increased in efficiency. Smith Jr helps a team that was ranked 22nd last season in points per game. The Mavericks struggled last season due to the lack of play makers in the back court leaving there offense highly reliant on Harrison Barnes for scoring and a older Dirk Nowitzki as well. This lineup most importantly screams defensive nightmare with the play making ability of Smith Jr and his good shooting mixed with pick and rolls with Dirk and Noel. His ability to handle the ball as well as the top guards in the league makes him elite with his smooth handles and quickness to get to the rim with acrobatic finishes and his 48 inch vertical allows him to make ESPN Top 10 every night with his powerful dunks as well.
NBA Player Comparisons
Low End Potential- Derrick Rose
High End Potential- Russell Westbrook
Dennis Smith Jr is a exciting player to watch someone I think Dallas Maverick fans will enjoy watching him play in a Mavs uniform for a long time. Today is the start of a new era its the "Dennis Smith Era".
