Former lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr. has signed a contract with the Trail Blazers to attend training camp, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter). While Wojnarowski doesn’t provide specifics on Smith’s contract details, it sounds like it’ll be a non-guaranteed one-year deal, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot.
The ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft, Smith began his career in Dallas and had a promising rookie season for the Mavericks, averaging 15.2 PPG and 5.2 APG as the team’s starting point guard. However, he struggled with his shooting efficiency and was traded to New York in his second season in the deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas.
Smith never really found his footing with the Knicks and was eventually dealt to the Pistons in February of this year after spending two seasons in New York. Detroit opted not to issue a qualifying offer to DSJ at season’s end, so he became an unrestricted free agent and took a month to find a new home.
In 179 total NBA games, Smith has averaged 11.8 PPG and 4.4 APG on .400/.316/.652 shooting in 25.2 minutes per contest.
The Trail Blazers currently only have 13 players on guaranteed contracts and will have to carry at least 14 during the regular season, so there’s a path to a roster spot for Smith. However, I’d expect Portland to invite a few more players to camp to compete for that 14th spot. The team, which is now over the tax line, may begin the season with its 15th spot open to avoid paying an extra salary.
I think this guy can still play. It would help his cause to buy into winning basketball, defense, and improve his shooting.
DSJ gets a job before Ntilikina. Ntilikina has hit rock bottom.
It’s because DSJ is, while not good by any metric, way better than Frank.
Yeah DSJ in theory at least has a much higher ceiling—if he actually put in some work he still has the tools to be a very solid Lou Will esque 6th man.
Frank’s offense is so far from NBA level it’s hard to see how he’s not on a Euro roster by Autumn.
This entire thread made me laugh. Thanks, guys.
So what you’re saying is for him to learn how to play basketball.
I suspect this could be the pg the Blazers turn to after Lillard trade,unless Sixers include Shake in the deal (because Maxey isn’t going anywhere). Only question is does Dame go ahead and let them know to move him before training camp, or does he wait a couple weeks into the season to get confirmation the team is still a non-factor?
The Knicks and Pistons didn’t look to him as a PG. Why would Portland…?
It would take Maxey, Thybulle, Simmons, and 4 future 1st round picks for Portland to trade Lillard to the 76ers.
lol at Maxey isn’t going anywhere.
Hes like automatically included in any Dame for Ben trade
I rathe this move.
I think behind Dame the blazers lacked a point guard. They have Simons he is more of a SG, he has struggle to take the reins and be a leader. Hes got terrible assist numbers and just doesn’t look to be that guy for them.
DSJ although not a game changing signing is young and has shown in atleast that he can be that guy to take the lead. In his first two season he averaged roughly 5 assists per game and even last year for the Pistons averaged 4 assists per game in less than 20 minutes. He also had his best season shooting the three ball and blocking shots. Have to remember the kid is still only 23, that’s the same age as Obbi Toppin, Markelle Fultz and Mo Bamba.
I still think he can turn it around and be a solid bench contributor. Be interesting to see if he can get a full time contract and once he gets that I think working long and hard with Dame he could get back to the level we all know he can reach
How the mighty have fallen. Lotto pick gets treated like a walk-on tryout.