Dallas Mavericks: 5 goals for Yogi Ferrell in 2017-18

4. Be a mentor to Dennis Smith Jr.

Dennis Smith Jr. and Yogi Ferrell had solid outings in the Las Vegas Summer League this past July. Smith led the team in scoring with 17.3 points per game. He shot 34.6 percent from 3-point range while also averaging 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game through six games.

Yogi Ferrell was right behind Smith with 13.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game. The duo served as a potential look at success if they went with a two-guard lineup, something they did often in 2016-17 and opened the door for Yogi Ferrell’s success.

Ferrell has the opportunity to be a guide for Dennis Smith Jr. given what he’s been through in the NBA. He’s been cut before, survived in the NBA G League and still managed to find his way onto another NBA roster, all in his rookie year.

There are a lot of ups and downs that come with an 82-game schedule. Ferrell can help DSJ navigate through what should be an interesting ride for the Dallas Mavericks. Mentoring Smith can give him an edge in a guard-heavy rotation in the long run.