2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 8 power rankings

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6. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Last rank: No. 6 (↔)

A lot of rookies chose Dallas Mavericks point guard Dennis Smith Jr. to take home this year’s Rookie of the Year award, but he’s had a lot of competition in front of him so far. Smith hasn’t been the stat-sheet stuffer he was during NBA Summer League, but he’s still been able to show his potential.

He’s currently nursing a hip strain that will force him to miss the Mavericks’ next two games. It will be the second time this season Smith has had to sit out due to injury. Prior to the injury, Smith has scored in double figures in seven consecutive appearances.

He faced off against Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals. Irving had 23 points, five assists and two blocks for the other side.

The growing pains are apparent in Dallas as Smith is set to sit out at least their next game on Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The rest will be good for him as he regroups during a busy month.