2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 3 power rankings

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10. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Last week: No. 6 (↓4)

Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. drops to the 10th spot in this week’s Rookie of the Year ladder. Smith Jr.’s stats aren’t as much of the problem as the Mavericks’ 1-8 record, although his shooting could use some improvement.

The rookie guard is still seventh among rookies in scoring (12.3 points per game) but he is shooting 39.8 percent from the field, which ranks 33rd among rookies this season. He is also shooting 25.9 percent from 3-point range, 29th among rookies.

Smith Jr. did put up a team-high 18 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 1, but Dallas still fell 119-98. He’s still learning to put it all together as he had just two assists compared to six turnovers in the game.

Dennis Smith Jr. and the Mavericks return to action on Friday night when they face the New Orleans Pelicans. Stringing some wins together has to start soon for this team, or it could be another year in the draft lottery.