Dennis Smith Jr. Makes a Comeback with the Dallas Mavericks
Dennis Smith Jr. is making a comeback with the Dallas Mavericks after reaching a one-year contract agreement, as confirmed by his representative Daniel Hazan from Hazan Sports Management to ESPN. Smith, who was originally selected by the Mavericks as the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, will now join the team for training camp. The Mavericks currently have a complete roster, though fellow guard Brandon Williams has a contract that is only partially guaranteed.
Career Highlights and Journey
During his initial tenure with Dallas, which lasted 1.5 seasons, Smith showcased his potential by averaging an impressive 15.2 points during his rookie year, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie Team in 2017-18. However, his journey then took a significant turn in January 2019 when he was traded to the New York Knicks as part of the blockbuster transaction that brought star Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas.
Smith’s time in New York extended until February 2021, after which he was sent to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Derrick Rose, who returned to the Knicks. Following his stint with the Pistons, Smith played for several other teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets, across three consecutive seasons. Notably, in the 2023-24 season, he finished strong, ranking second in steals per 36 minutes among NBA players who logged over 1,000 minutes.
Recent Developments
Most recently, he spent the 2024-25 season competing for Real Madrid in the Euroleague. At 27 years old, Smith’s career statistics reflect an average of 9.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 3 rebounds across 326 games in his seven seasons in the NBA, demonstrating his evolving role as a contributor on the court.
