Dallas Mavericks: 5 options for pick No. 9 in 2017 NBA Draft

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Jan 21, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket as Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Brandon Childress (0) defends during the second half at PNC Arena. The Demon Deacons won 93-88. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dennis Smith Jr., PG, NC State

While Ntilikina is more likely to be available for the Mavericks when they pick at ninth, it’s also possible that Dennis Smith Jr. could be waiting for them. One of the top talents in the country coming into the season, Smith demonstrated both his tremendous upside and concerning downside during his season at NC State.

Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball are elite offensive prospects, but Dennis Smith Jr. may truly have the most offensive upside of any point guard in this draft. He is a truly explosive athlete, able to burst to the rim and dunk in traffic or transition. His tight handle allows him to navigate through traffic or create separation for jumpers, which he knocks down with a smooth stroke.

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Defensively Smith’s issues seem to be focus and effort related, not based on pure ability. While he doesn’t have a long frame, he is strong and quick, able to keep in front of opposing ball-handlers in one-on-one situations. When put through screens he struggles to fight over them, a skill he will need to focus on. Overall he possesses the defensive tools, but the will to use them is in question.

If Smith rounds into a scorer who includes his teammates in the offense, he can be a dynamic offensive player. If he puts the scoring load on his back and calls his own number every possession, his team’s upside will be limited. The NC State team from last year looked strong on paper, but fell apart throughout the season. How much of that was Smith’s fault, and how much simply happened around him?

There are concerns about Smith, but there is also room for a huge reward. If the weaknesses cause him to drop, then Dallas would have a real shot at a home run by taking Smith. He could develop into a player with the scoring ferocity needed to destroy defenders, and teams trying to defend the paint against Smith with Nowitzki popping to the perimeter for three-pointers will be stretched to the limit. The potential is there – will Dallas be the team to take a shot at reaching it?

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