Will Dennis Smith Jr. Make an NBA Comeback? His Journey and Future Prospects

I remember watching Dennis Smith Jr. during his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, thinking he was destined for stardom. That explosive 21-point, 7-assist debut against Atlanta back in 2017 felt like the beginning of something special. Yet here we are in 2024, and Smith finds himself fighting for another NBA opportunity after bouncing between four teams in seven seasons. His journey reminds me of many talented players who showed tremendous potential but struggled to find their place in the league's constantly shifting landscape.

Looking at Smith's career trajectory, I can't help but draw parallels to situations I've observed in international basketball. Just last week, I was analyzing the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals where RR Pogoy, despite his explosive start to the series, had to sit out Game Two for TNT. This kind of scenario - where a player shows flashes of brilliance but can't maintain consistency - feels painfully familiar when examining Smith's career. The 26-year-old guard has demonstrated he can still contribute, as evidenced by his respectable 6.6 points and 3.6 assists per game in limited minutes with Brooklyn last season, but the question remains whether he can secure a permanent roster spot.

What fascinates me about Smith's situation is how much the NBA has changed since he entered the league. When he was drafted ninth overall in 2017, the league valued explosive athleticism above all else for point guards. Smith's 48-inch vertical leap was the talk of the draft combine. But today's NBA demands more - consistent three-point shooting, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ. These are areas where Smith has struggled, shooting just 31.8% from deep for his career and often appearing lost in defensive rotations. I've always believed his athletic gifts could translate to better defense if properly harnessed.

The financial aspect can't be ignored either. With the new CBA creating stricter financial constraints, teams are increasingly cautious about using roster spots on projects. Smith's last contract was a veteran minimum deal worth approximately $2.4 million, and even that might be difficult to secure now. Having spoken with several front office executives over the years, I've noticed a growing preference for younger, cheaper prospects who can be developed within a team's system rather than taking chances on veterans who haven't established a clear role.

Still, I'm more optimistic about Smith's chances than many analysts. His performance in Charlotte during the 2022-23 season showed glimpses of the player he could become - averaging 8.8 points and 4.8 assists while showing improved defensive effort. I particularly remember his game against Miami where he recorded 5 steals, demonstrating that when engaged, his athleticism can translate to the defensive end. What Smith needs, in my opinion, is the right situation with a team that can utilize his strengths while masking his weaknesses.

The G League route might be his best option at this point. We've seen numerous players like Langston Galloway and Gerald Green use stints in the development league to earn another NBA opportunity. Smith could benefit from consistent playing time to work on his shooting mechanics and decision-making. His 67.3% free throw percentage indicates there's still work to be done on his shooting form, but at 26, he's young enough to make meaningful improvements.

What gives me hope is that Smith has shown willingness to adapt his game. During his time in Portland, he accepted a reduced role and focused more on defense, something many young players struggle to do. This maturity, combined with his physical tools, makes me believe he's worth the risk for a team needing backcourt depth. I'd love to see him land with a developmental-focused organization like Oklahoma City or San Antonio, where he could learn from established veterans while contributing in limited minutes.

The reality is that NBA careers are fragile things, and Smith's path highlights how quickly circumstances can change. Just like RR Pogoy's situation with TNT demonstrates how even key players can find themselves sidelined unexpectedly, Smith's career has been full of similar unpredictability. But having watched basketball for over two decades, I've learned never to count out talented players who show genuine commitment to improving. Smith's work ethic has never been questioned, and that alone gives him a fighting chance.

Ultimately, I'd put the probability of Smith making a meaningful NBA comeback at around 40%. It's not the most optimistic projection, but considering he appeared in 43 games last season, it's certainly within reach. The league always has room for athletic guards who can defend multiple positions and create offense in transition. If Smith can improve his three-point shooting to even 35% and continue developing as a defender, I believe he can carve out a role as a backup point guard for several more seasons. His journey serves as a reminder that in professional basketball, talent alone isn't enough - it's about finding the right fit and continuously evolving to meet the game's demands.