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Dallas Mavericks: Complete 2017 offseason grades

By Jordan Treske

DALLAX, TX - JUNE 23: Donnie Nelson, Mark Cuban, Dennis Smith Jr., Rick Carlisle and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks introduce their 2017 draft pick Dennis Smith Jr. during at a press conference on June 23, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. 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 Glen James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAX, TX - JUNE 23: Donnie Nelson, Mark Cuban, Dennis Smith Jr., Rick Carlisle and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks introduce their 2017 draft pick Dennis Smith Jr. during at a press conference on June 23, 2017 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. 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 Glen James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

2017 NBA Draft

As mentioned before, the biggest addition Dallas made this offseason is the selection of Dennis Smith Jr. with the ninth overall pick in this year’s draft.

By getting Smith, the Mavericks have improved their long-term outlook immensely and if all goes right, he could stand as the next star talent for the team to build around in the years to come. During his one season in Raliegh, Smith showcased his impressive athletic and scoring talents, a feat made even more stunning since he was just over a year removed from tearing his ACL.

With that being said, there were nagging shortcomings littered throughout his play like his commitment on the defensive end and relying on getting his own opportunities rather than setting up his teammates (though the Wolfpack’s overall disastrous and dysfunctional season likely played a bigger impact on both of those points).

To put it plainly, though, the Mavericks haven’t had a player of Smith’s potential in a very long time and with Dirk Nowitzki clearly in the twilight of his career, the timing couldn’t have played out better as they prepare for a new era.

Although they only held one draft pick, the selection of Smith is certainly a big boon for the Mavericks and only time will tell if the star potential he clearly possesses will be fully realized in the years to come.

Grade: A-

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