The Dallas Mavericks may have a future star on their hands after they selected exciting point guard Dennis Smith Jr. in this year's draft. The Mavs missed out on the playoffs last season but it may prove to be a blessing in disguise as they now have a player they can potentially build their franchise around in the future. The 19-year-old was one of the standout players in the Las Vegas Summer League as he put his ridiculous athleticism on show. The youngster was putting on dunking clinics and is already a contender to compete in the Slam Dunk Contest next year. With his rookie campaign still two months away, Smith Jr. decided to show off his freakish athletic abilities in a recent one-on-one pickup game. But unfairly, the Mavs guard went up against a fan and you can imagine how things turned out. It got ugly for the fan as Smith Jr. dominated him on the court and ended it by viciously dunked all over on him and then stepping over him to add insult to injury.
Mavericks fans will be hoping to see him dominate fellow NBA players next season and bring this competitiveness to the court at American Airlines Center.
A dynamic guard is exactly what the franchise was crying out for and he could be an important player immediately as he's likely to assume the starting point guard spot.
The North Carolina State alum averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.2 assists in his lone collegiate season, leading to Dallas taking him with the number nine pick in the draft.
He is likely to be among the top contenders for the Rookie of the Year award alongside the likes of Lonzo Ball, Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz.
Playing at one spot will represent a baptism of fire for the youngster as the league currently boasts its best ever generation of point guards.
Going up against the likes of Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, John Wall and Kyrie Irving will be difficult tests for Smith Jr.
To help him adapt to life in the NBA at that position, though, he will be working closely with the Mavs' point guard coach God Shammgod who is considered a ball-handling legend in the league.
“You know, you hear a lot of stories about him, and then you finally get to meet him and realise he’s a humble guy. He has a lot of knowledge about the game, so I’m looking to be a sponge and take in everything I can. I believe that he’ll help enhance my basketball career,” Smith said.
If he performs at the level he did in the Summer League, the Dallas faithful won't take long to warm to him.