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2017 NBA Mock Draft: An Early Look Ahead

By Maxwell Ogden

MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)
MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 1: Dennis Smith Jr #15 poses for a portrait during Adidas Nations Atlanta on May 1, 2015 at the JW Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 1: Dennis Smith Jr #15 poses for a portrait during Adidas Nations Atlanta on May 1, 2015 at the JW Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images) /

8. Dennis Smith Jr., North Carolina State Wolfpack

Position: Point Guard
Age: 18 (11/25/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’1.5″, 175 pounds, 6’3″
Slash Line: N/A
Season Averages: N/A

The North Carolina State Wolfpack got a gem of a recruit in Fayetteville native Dennis Smith Jr. An incoming freshman with the potential to be an elite point guard on the collegiate front, Smith has the skill and athleticism to be a Top 10 pick.

The question is, can Smith recover from the torn ACL that prematurely ended his high school career?

Prior to the injury, Smith was commonly regarded as one of the most explosive athletes in the 2017 NBA draft. He doesn’t have great size or length, although some have hypothesized that he’s not done growing.

With tight handles, explosiveness at the rim, and the end-to-end speed to be a blur in transition, Smith can shine in the ACC.

In terms of his skill set, Smith can do it all on the offensive end of the floor. He has range as a shooter, can finish with both hands, and is an unpredictable force to be reckoned with when running the pick-and-roll.

Smith needs polish, but the only reason he isn’t listed in the Top 5 is the knee injury.

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