2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 6 power rankings
6. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks
Last week: No. 4 (↓2)
It seems the heroics of rookie point man Dennis Smith Jr. are rubbing off on the rest of the Dallas Mavericks roster. Teammate Harrison Barnes saved the day for Smith and company on Wednesday night, banking in a 3-pointer as time expired against the Memphis Grizzlies for a 95-94 victory.
Smith is second on the team in points per game (14.3) behind Barnes, who leads the team in scoring with 19.5 points per game. They certainly could use Smith’s scoring output as the Mavericks rank 28th in the league in points per game (98.9) through their first 17 games. They have a 4-13 record.
This year's most athletic rookie!? Dennis Smith Jr has made a hot start to his #NBA career, how much has he impressed you? #MFFL pic.twitter.com/L6MaS0RfCJ
— NBA UK (@NBAUK) November 24, 2017
Smith is still learning to become a volume shooter with the Mavericks. He’s shooting 38.1 percent from the field and 29.9 percent from 3-point range so far this season. It hasn’t been as smooth of a transition as many foresaw for Smith, but he’s adjusting better than a few other rookies.