Dennis Smith Jr. Returns to Dallas Mavericks After Seven Years
Dennis Smith Jr. returns to the Dallas Mavericks after seven years, aiming to compete for a roster spot during Kyrie Irving’s recovery.
The Dallas Mavericks are re-signing veteran guard Dennis Smith Jr. on a one-year deal, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Smith Jr., who was the No. 9 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, made the All-Rookie Team in 2017-18. However, he only played a season and a half with the Mavericks before being traded to the New York Knicks in the deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas.
Since Kyrie Irving is recovering from a torn ACL, Dennis Smith Jr. will have a chance to earn a spot on the Mavericks’ roster during training camp. The team also signed guards D’Angelo Russell and Jaden Hardy in the offseason.
Last season, Smith Jr. played for Real Madrid in the EuroLeague, after previously playing for the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets.
In his seven NBA seasons, he has averaged 9.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.0 rebounds across 326 regular-season games, including 152 starts.