The Charlotte Hornets have signed free agent Dennis Smith Jr. to a one-year contract. In Group Policy, the terms of this Agreement are not disclosed. The fifth-year guard was selected ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2017 NBA Draft.
In his rookie 2017-18 season, in 69 starts, Smith Jr. averaged a career-high 15.2 points per game. While shooting 39.5% from the field and 31.3% from 3-point range, the NC State product averaged 3.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1 steal per game.
On December 29, 2017, the guard recorded his first career triple-double in the Mavericks’ 128–120 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. He collected 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Free agent guard Dennis Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets, according to his agent Daniel Hazan of Hazan Sports Management. @Athletics @ Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 21, 2022
At 20 years, 34 days, Smith Jr. So the guard has the talent to succeed in the league.
He was then selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
However, on January 31, 2019, the Mavericks traded DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, a 2021 first-round draft pick, a 2023 first-round draft pick, and Smith Jr. to the New York Knicks for Trey Burke, Courtney Lee, Kristaps. Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr
In 21 games with the Knicks during the 2019-20 season, the guard averaged 14.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals per contest. Not to mention 41.3% from the ground.
The Hornets signed guard Dennis Smith Jr. to a one-year contract
In the year In the year He finished 9-for-15 (60%) from the field and 2-for-5 (40%) from downtown.
Then, the Knicks assigned Smith Jr. to the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League. Although according to the records, he never appeared in a single game.
A week later, the guard and a 2021 second-round draft pick were traded to the Pistons for Derrick Rose.
On September 1, 2021, the guard signed a contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Last season, in 37 games with Portland, the North Carolina native averaged 5.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.
Additionally, on February 16, 2022, Smith Jr. was ruled out for one month after being diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow.
Of course, Smith Jr. was waived by the Trail Blazers five days later.
He will have a chance to make the Hornets’ roster in training camp. Unlike most NBA players, the former Trail Blazer’s best year was his rookie season. Few league executives believe Smith Jr. has peaked too early.
However, based on the past two seasons, the NC State product can still contribute off the bench. His shooting accuracy is good. Smith Jr. just lacks the speed and competitiveness he once had.
At just 24 years old, he has more than enough time to improve his game. He might be better off playing for the Greensboro Herd, the Hornets’ G League affiliate. For NBA players, participating in other basketball leagues can help boost their confidence.
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