2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 16 power rankings

6 of 11

Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images /

6. Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Last week: 5th (↓1)

Dallas Mavericks rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr. moves down one spot in this week’s NBA Rookie of the Year ladder due to his inefficient shooting. Smith got the best of John Wall and the Washington Wizards with a victory on Wednesday, but since then he’s struggled.

In the Mavericks’ last three games, Smith is shooting 34.9 percent from the floor. In fact, he’s shot better from 3-point range (35.7 percent) than he has from the field over the last three contests. He’s still averaging 14.0 points, 6.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds across the same span but he’s been shooting more for volume than quality.

The Mavericks have an offensive rating of 103.5 and a defensive rating of 111.4, producing a net rating of -8.0 with Dennis Smith Jr. on the floor this season. It’s not entirely his fault but it’s something to keep an eye on going forward for the rookie. Dallas is currently 16-34 this season with a ton of rebuilding left to do.