Amidst reports of tension in the Mavericks‘ locker room between head coach Rick Carlisle and Dennis Smith Jr. – which led to reports that Smith was being put on the trading block – it appears that tension has subsided.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium is reporting (via Twitter) that Carlisle and Smith spoke on the phone and were able to have productive conversations. Smith will, in turn, report back to the team on Tuesday. Charania also tweeted that Carlisle apologized to Smith and expressed his remorse over the situation.
The Mavericks play the Clippers on Tuesday and the plan is for Smith to play in that game, which will be his first game since January 7.
For the season, Smith is averaging 12.6 points and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 37.5% on 3-pointers, a significant improvement from last season. While the Mavericks may continue to look for possible trades involving Smith, it appears tensions have calmed down for now.
Smith jr and luka could be a crazy combo
Is really any better than someone like Trey Burke?
They played good together at the beginning of the season! Despite that one time where DSJ took that last shot from Luka and missed it. But they CAN de productive together!
Trying to imagine a GMs mindset here. How do you get to the point where you’ve destroyed his value. If anything I’d be inquiring about player x, and saying DSJ is not on the table. And figuring out if that’s the last card I need to play to get someone I want or something I want.
They must’ve expected a bidding war
Yea. Overplayed their hand.
I don’t recall anyone really speaking up for DSJ on this site recently, at best saying more or less: let it roll for now. Somebody has to cover the opposition PG.
Nobody was saying ‘steal of the draft’ anymore.
I bet while not playing ball DSJ was reading sites like this to take stock of his game and/or leverage.
Anyway if the coach apologized, that’s hard to resist returning!
mavs should be fined for the way they’ve mistreated smith – hopefully he lands in a good place and gets back in track
You mean DSJ should be fined for refusing to play or be with the team while getting paid. SMH
The team was trying to trade him and showed that he is not part of their future plans. Why play and get hurt for a team that doesn’t want you on the roster anymore?
Because they give you a paycheck?
He must be out of sick days.