NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Dennis Smith Jr
Strengths
Dennis Smith Jr. is an explosive basketball player. When watching highlights and tape it’s easy to get excited with his explosive dunks, quickness off the dribble, and handle with the ball in his hands.
While at NC State, Smith put up big numbers, averaging 18.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Leading the ACC in assists, second in steals (with 1.9 steals per game, only behind Donovan Mitchell of Louisville), eighth in points per game, fifth in free throw attempts, and 10th in field goal percentage with 45.5 percent.
Smith has also shown he can attack and get to the free throw line, averaging 6.3 attempts per game on the season. What you want your point guard to be able to do is attack and score, attack and dish, or attack and get fouled; Smith fits that bill.
Coming out of the break, attacking off of ball screens, and hesitation dribbles allow Smith to score at a high rate. He gets the ball and runs down hill while everyone tries to catch up.
| Season | School | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3PA | 3P% | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | North Carolina State | 32 | 34.8 | 6.0 | 13.1 | .455 | 4.8 | .359 | 6.3 | .715 | 4.6 | 6.2 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 18.1 |
| Career | North Carolina State | 32 | 34.8 | 6.0 | 13.1 | .455 | 4.8 | .359 | 6.3 | .715 | 4.6 | 6.2 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 18.1 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/2/2017.
Listed as 6’3″ and 195 pounds, Smith has the foundations of an NBA style body. While he skipped the NBA Draft Combine for measurements, in 2014 Smith measured out with a 6’3″ wing span. That’s not exceptionally long compared to other guards, but for what he lacks in wing span, he easily makes up for in vertical leaping.
Smith has shown he can take contact and finish over taller players inside. While taking off from around the middle of the lane for a two-footed power dunk is fun to watch, not every NBA team will part the lane so easily, and so there’s plenty for him to learn still.
As a result of his explosive moves, Smith often creates space for his jump shot not only from his quickness, but also his ability to rise higher than his opponents.