NBA: Top 10 candidates for Rookie of the Year Award in 2017-18

3. Dennis Smith Jr.

It’s unknown whether Dennis Smith Jr. will get the starting job from day one, but he probably should for a Dallas Mavericks team that’s unlikely to push for a playoff spot in the loaded West. Yogi Ferrell and Seth Curry had pleasantly surprising seasons for the Mavs last year, but make no mistake about it: DSJ is the future of the franchise now.

Wanting to compete in Dirk Nowitzki‘s final years is commendable, but that front has failed for awhile now. If Rick Carlisle is ready to trust a rookie with his offense, Smith will be one of the top ROY candidates in 2017-18.

Though his leadership was questioned during a rough season for NC State, Smith still put up 18.1 points, 6.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game on .455/.359/.715 shooting splits. At Summer League, Smith earned First Team honors behind 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game on 45.7 percent shooting.

Dennis Smith Jr. is one of this year’s most electric rookies. He’s a high-flier who joins Harrison Barnes and possibly Nerlens Noel as this team’s promising new nucleus. If he’s given the opportunity to establish himself as the next franchise face from day one, he’ll be a top contender for Rookie of the Year.