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Complete 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

By Gerald Bourguet

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NBA Draft
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dennis Smith, Jr. (NC State) is interviewed after being introduced as the number nine overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks

Dennis Smith Jr. (No. 9)

No offense to Seth Curry, Yogi Ferrell or free agency fantasies about Jrue Holiday, but the Dallas Mavericks needed a franchise point guard with legitimate star potential. After selecting a point guard with perhaps the highest ceiling in this year’s draft class, they may have found that player in Dennis Smith Jr.

There were questions about his attitude in college, especially with his body language when his NC State Wolfpack were in the throes of a very underwhelming season.

But DSJ’s offensive potential and athleticism are off the charts, giving the Mavs yet another dynamic piece to build around as they prepare for life after Dirk Nowitzki. He’s the piece Dallas wanted, and now the fun can begin.

His defense needs work and there are still lingering fears about his ACL tear in high school, but what Smith showed in college should put those concerns to rest since he still has plenty of bounce.

This pick may go unnoticed by the outside world, but it might not be long before Dennis Smith Jr. bursts onto the NBA scene like he was shot out of a cannon with a fuse lit by lightning.

Grade: A