What to expect from Dennis Smith Jr. in Vegas

The Dallas Mavericks and their bunch of youngsters and roster hopefuls will head to Las Vegas to kick off their summer league later on this week. The Mavericks do have a team currently  competing in the Orlando summer league, but most would agree that is their “B” team. Their Vegas team is surely the one that will draw more of an eye from the fan base as that roster boasts names Mavs fans will recognize in ten day standout Yogi Ferrell, second year wing Dorian Finney-Smith, and last years second round choice A.J. Hammons. Obviously though, the headliner for this bunch is without a doubt this years first round selection, Dennis Smith Jr.

Smith Jr. possess a unique and tantalizing blend of speed, power, and athleticism that is commonplace among the leagues elite guards. This rare combination of freakish athleticism and skill should have Mavs fans looking forward to an undoubtedly bright future for their young stud.

However, and I know MFFL’s do not like hearing this, but the progression and development of these young guys takes time. It is unreasonable to expect immediate success from a 19 year old kid straight out of college. 

The professional game is just so drastically different from the college game. The speed, the length, and the athleticism of the players is something that cannot be simulated. The most drastic improvement typically comes from first hand experience, and This is why rookies often have a tough time in this setting, because well, they just don’t have any.

Sure, there are notable exceptions. For example, guys like Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Buddy Hield all had excellent summer league showings as rookies.  But what is the one thing those three guys have in common? Every one of them had multiple years of college experience to refine and polish their games, relative to Smiths 33 game career at NC State. 

So Instead of eye popping numbers or highlight real dunks, Mavs fans should be setting much more realistic, obtainable goals for their rookie in Vegas. 

First and foremost, you should just want to see him compete and play hard. Yes, the NBA is a results driven league, and just playing hard is not always enough. It is about production and efficiency. All of those things should come in time, but if he plays hard in this exhibition type of setting, you can trust that he works hard, and if that is the case than his undeniable gifts should be tapped into. 

As discussed earlier, his talent level may not lead to big time production right away. Mavs fans would be wise to pay attention to how he operates in game like situations. Such as how he navigates a pick and roll, or how he can attack slower footed defenders with that dynamic speed and quickness. Watch his explosiveness in transition, or his body control finishing around the rim. Observe some of the subtle brilliance of his passes, or how he and Yogi can coexist in the same backcourt with one another. These will all be factors that tease his exciting upside in Vegas. 

Dennis Smith is no finished product though, and that’s okay. This kid has boatloads of talent, and it will show through at summer league. It might not be in as spectacular of a fashion as Mavs fans might hope or expect, but that’s coming. just you wait. 

So regardless of what his summer league statistical output looks like, smile Mavs fans. The future is bright in Dallas.