NBA Draft 2017: grading the Mavericks’ pick

As we all know by now, the Dallas Mavericks got their point guard of the future in Dennis Smith Jr. with the ninth overall pick in the NBA Draft last night. The entire Mavs organization, including the players and the fan base, couldn’t have been more elated when they heard Smith Jr.’s name called.

During his only season with N.C. State, he was the first college freshman to average at least 15 points, 6 assists and 1.5 steals per game since John Wall did it for Kentucky in 2009. For a guy that has those type of numbers and has drawn comparisons to Russell Westbrook, the Mavs are very optimistic about what Smith Jr. could become. Smith Jr. has an incredible 48” vertical and puts it to good use by playing angry like Russ does.

It had been reported in past few weeks that the Orlando Magic were considering Smith Jr. for the sixth pick in the draft. Then, the day before the draft, a report surfaced that Boston was so impressed with him that they were considering trading down from the third pick to get him. For a team that not only needed a starting point guard, but also an injection of raw athleticism, the Mavs got themselves a steal at No. 9. Dennis will be on a mission to show the other eight teams what they missed out on.

Draft Grade: A+

Value at No. 9: A+