2:51pm: The trade issue is being pushed from Smith’s side rather than the Mavs’ side, multiple sources tell Townsend, who confirms (via Twitter) that DSJ isn’t thrilled by the change in his role this season.
2:36pm: After reports earlier this week suggested that the Mavericks were ramping up their efforts to trade Dennis Smith Jr., the team is now hoping to reconcile with its frustrated second-year guard and move forward with Smith on its roster, writes Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com.
As MacMahon details, the Mavs have explored the trade market for Smith for much of the season, and still sound open to making a move if they get good value for him. However, the team believes the 2017 lottery pick can develop into a star and won’t move him without getting a significant return, sources tell MacMahon.
“Plan A is still to fix this,” one Mavs source told ESPN.
Those reports from earlier in the week indicated that Smith’s uncertain fit alongside Luka Doncic and his relationship with head coach Rick Carlisle were among the reasons why the Mavericks were pursuing a trade. In his latest report, MacMahon confirms that both of those issues have been frustrating for Smith, who has “recently expressed that he hopes to be traded.”
Multiple team sources downplayed the friction between Smith and Carlisle, according to MacMahon, who writes that the club chalks it up to typical growing pains for a young player. Carlisle would welcome the opportunity to continue coaching the 21-year-old, MacMahon adds. Still, Tim Cato of The Athletic notes (via Twitter) that the Mavs want to retain Smith on their own terms, playing the role Carlisle envisions for him.
If Smith’s camp isn’t on board with that plan or if the Mavs receive a favorable offer, the trade chatter surrounding the guard could increase once again. In fact, one league source suggests to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News (Twitter link) that the club isn’t necessarily convinced that fences can be mended with Smith.
Nonetheless, the Mavs don’t want to be forced into a bad deal, so for now it looks like the franchise will try its best to make things work with one of its top young prospects.
It’s to both the team’s and DSJ’s benefit to blame the “fit” with Doncic versus true DSJ issues. It just didn’t ring true. Perhaps the offers reflected skepticism on that front. Anyway, this is the right move.
This whole thing is baffling. Especially with JJ going down for the year. You’d expect DSJ would have a bigger chance to shine with Barea’s injury.
With the exception of just a very limited number of players in the league, most would take a back seat to Donic. If DSJ can look at this from a different angle, he’d realize the Mavs have a ton of cap room, a potential big time star, all of which should lead to years of fun. If he gets traded it’s going to be to someone like Orlando. A team that will likely be treading water for years to come. Point is, he can turn into a high caliber player with the Mavs and have a chance to win. Sure sounds better than being stuck somewhere just to get more of the spotlight.
Likely the Mavs are overrating SmithJr but overrating your players is typical in the league. I think comparing SmithJr with another player in the news, Dion Waiters, is apt. I don’t consider that an insult, except to Pat Riley’s roster management– too many equal players on Miami. I doubt SmithJr would be starting in Miami right now either. Coach’s call.
Anyway his trade value is not going up, more likely down. He is blocking someone better on his current team and has significantly minus on/off numbers. IDK the offers but if he’s going to be moving eventually, the sooner the better.
Their games couldn’t be less similar.
It’s hard to prove or disprove a vague statement, but Waiter’s game in Miami belies his reputation as a chucker.
Per NBA.com stats…
In his two semi-healthy years in Miami, Waiters shot 35% & 39% of his shots from inside 10 ft., about average for a guard. SmithJr in two years has shot 39% & 46%.
Thats one angle but I was not actually rleferring to their games… more like their positions, levels…
… ages, body types, fondness for contact, and to be blunt, brains.
—
A crazy stat, also from NBA.com:
Of players with at least 30 games, 10 of the top 21 in opponent personal fouls are Dallas Mavs! Unsurprisingly they lead the league in fouls drawn. (Smith ranks well behind the 10, though still above average).
Think ur spot on. This needs to be a situation where a guy can take a step back and look. Mavs r in a great place going forward. Be the next Kyle Lowery. He’s getting paid plenty
I wouldn’t touch DSJ with a ten foot pole if this is how he’s gonna act in his sophomore season. If he can’t find a way to make it work with Luca, where is it gonna work? He’s not a first option superstar. He’s got an explosive game that needs a ton of work.
OK Bulls will take him in return for Denzel Valetine, if you want a different kind of guard.
Otherwise, STFU and figure out how to use to very good players on your roster in a complementary fashion (looking at you, top-notch coach Rick Carlisle).