Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking the top 10 rookies in 2017 NBA Summer League

By Max Holm

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Dennis Smith Jr. – Dallas Mavericks

After missing out on the Dallas Mavericks’ run in Orlando, we anxiously awaited Dennis Smith Jr.’s debut. Needless to say, it was well worth the wait.

This was the first look at a guy who had a lot of questions about him after a disappointing year at N.C. State. A lot of those questions were answered rather quickly.

Smith thrived with NBA spacing, getting to the rim at will. He also showed strong effort more consistently on defense, which was very encouraging. His ability to score at all three levels with the toughness and creativity to finish through contact is going to make him a menace for years to come.

It’s already looking like his slide to No. 9 in the draft will haunt teams for a while.