Who’s Got Next: Dennis Smith, Jr.

The 2017 NBA Rookie class is stacked with young prospects. Fans are anticipating on what Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson and DeAaron Fox will bring to the table. However, there is a player who the basketball world overlooks, and his name is Dennis Smith, Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks.

According to the NBA’s 2017-2018 General Manager survey, Smith stood out as the “Biggest Steal of the Draft.” The poll determines which player the league fails to recognize, and 37% of the NBA’s general managers selected the rookie. Smith was drafted as the ninth player amongst his fellow rookies. He was predicted to be in the top 5, but teams kept passing him by. This gives Smith a chip on the shoulder. For fans who don’t know much about the rookie, here are some facts.

Dennis Smith, Jr. played at North Carolina State University. Before his college experience, he suffered an ACL injury that almost ruined his chances to play basketball again. Smith didn’t want that to happen, so he came back stronger than ever. During his freshmen and only year with the Wolfpack in the 2016-2017 season, he averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists (first in the ACC Conference), 1.8 steals, and 45.5% in field goal range per game. Smith’s statistics led him to withdraw his college career and prepare himself for the NBA spotlight.

When the NBA Summer League began, Smith was determined that he belongs in the pros. He tallied 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals while shooting 47.2% per game. The Summer League isn’t the elite level yet; however, his performance show that he has potential to succeed in his career. Standing at 6 foot 3 inches and grabbing at least five rebounds a game is rare for most point guards in the league. I compared Smith’s Summer League stats with Lonzo Ball’s, Markelle Fultz’s, and DeAaron Fox’s numbers at his position. Smith ranked first in points, field goal percentage, and contributed similar number of steals per game amongst these players. As a matter of fact, Smith was chosen as an All-NBA Summer League First Team honoree. This accomplishment should give him a place as a top rookie. Don’t count him out yet.

After highlighting his abilities, Smith reminds me of Russell Westbrook. He and Westbrook are explosive athletes with uncanny hops and throwdowns at a blink of an eye. Both of them are all-around players whom opponents can’t keep up with. They are unique, and there’s no way anybody can back them down. Maybe Smith should learn a thing or two from Westbrook in order to be an elite point guard. Keep an eye on the kid. Dennis Smith, Jr. will take the NBA by storm. He’s got next!

Photo by Alex Kennedy — USA Today: Hoops Hype

The Lookout: Minnesota Timberwolves

Basketball season is here! It is time to buy season tickets for your favorite team, start your own fantasy league, play pick-up games at a local park with your friends, and talk basketball. The 2017-2018 NBA season will be worth watching. The majority of teams in the league are evolving into super teams. The goal is to beat the most superior teams of all: The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Out of all the teams striving to win a championship, the Minnesota Timberwolves have the potential to dominate the NBA in the next few years. With the addition of Jimmy Butler, Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague, and Taj Gibson, the Timberwolves have firepower.

Acquiring Jimmy Butler is intriguing. As a three-time All-Star, an All-Defensive Team member and All-NBA Team honoree, Butler’s scoring and defensive skillsets will outrun opponents on both ends of the floor. His abilities will help rising stars, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, to push the ball further. Butler also played for Minnesota’s head coach Tom Thibodeau. Five years prior moving to Minnesota, Thibodeau led Butler and the Chicago Bulls as playoff contenders. Their reunion will boost chemistry and drive the young Wolves to their true capabilities.

Coming off the bench with his shifty offensive abilities and a 16-year longevity in the league, Jamal Crawford will play a big role for Minnesota. Crawford is one of the best sixth-man players in recent years. As a member of the Los Angeles Clippers from 2012-2017, he was a dynamic pick-and-roll leader and a scoring specialist. Crawford’s support will encourage Coach Thibodeau to rest his backcourt players depending on scoring margins, fatigue, and match-ups.

With the release of Ricky Rubio, Jeff Teague will be the next starting point guard for the Wolves. Tyus Jones could fill in the starting spot; however, he is still in his third season in the league and Minnesota requires a more experienced point guard. Teague will be a reliable asset since Rubio struggled with his jump shot during his stint with the Wolves. Teague runs the ball and spreads the floor with strong athleticism. His shooting results are more consistent than Rubio’s, and that’s what Minnesota needs.

Bringing in another former Chicago Bulls power forward to the team, Taj Gibson will be a threat against opponents. He will benefit Towns and Gorgui Dieng on the low post offensively and defensively. Gibson’s aggressive demeanor to the game will fit well into Coach Thibodeau’s tough-minded system. He will carry the Wolves from a moderate team into a gritty one.

The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t been playoff contenders since Kevin Garnett left to join the Boston Celtics in 2007. Former players like Al Jefferson and Kevin Love fell short to fill up Garnett’s shoes. The team’s drought got worse since then. Be on the lookout though. These new faces for the team will be key to the Wolves’ success. Minnesota fans have a reason to be excited again this season.

Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images