NBA Rookie Fantasy Profile: Dennis Smith Jr.

Position: PG

Team: Dallas Mavericks

Draft Spot: 1.09

Analysis: Smith and Frank Ntilikina were seen as the two prospects that were going to be selected with the eighth and ninth picks. Ntilikina was selected eighth overall, followed by Smith with the ninth pick. Both are in great situations, though, and Smith could potentially have been selected into the better one.

Smith only played one season of college basketball, but he put on a show on a nightly basis for North Carolina State. He averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.9 steals in 34.8 minutes per game. He also shot respectable percentages from the field, including 50.9% from two-point range, 35.9% from three-point range, and 71.5% from the free throw line. While he could be a more efficient player, he flashed triple double potential in multiple games last season.

Smith was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, who needed help at point guard. He has already been named the starter, and Dallas has stated that they are interested in playing at a faster pace this season. Smith is a player that has been flying under the radar a bit since the draft, but he has the potential to win the rookie of the year award after averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals in only 25.8 minutes during the Summer League.

Bottom Line: Smith should immediately produce points, rebounds, assists, and steals. He could struggle with efficiency early on, but it would not be surprising if Smith becomes the focal point of the Dallas offense before the season is over.