Free agent point guard Dennis Smith Jr. is signing a G League contract ahead of this week’s Winter Showcase in Orlando, sources tell Jake Fischer (Twitter link).
It’s not yet clear which team Smith will land with, but Marc Stein notes (via Twitter) that the Mexico City Capitanes and Long Island Nets are at the top of the NBAGL’s waiver order, meaning they’ll have first dibs once the veteran guard officially signs his contract. For now, there’s no mention of Smith in the G League’s transaction log.
The ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft, Smith has appeared in a total of 326 regular season games for the Mavericks, Knicks, Pistons, Trail Blazers, Hornets, and Nets over the course of seven NBA seasons. He made 56 appearances last season for Brooklyn, averaging 6.6 points, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 18.9 minutes per game, with a shooting line of .435/.294/.741.
Smith isn’t much of a scorer or shooter, with career marks of 40.7% from the floor and 29.8% on three-pointers. However, he’s a solid ball-handler and distributor and an above-average point-of-attack defender.
The 27-year-old will be looking to show executives and scouts in Orlando that he deserves another shot in the NBA. The G League’s Winter Showcase tips off on Thursday and runs through Sunday, with each team playing at least two games.
Big man Frank Kaminsky and point guard Devonte’ Graham are among the other NBA veterans who have recently signed G League contracts in the hopes of making an impression at the Winter Showcase.
I have been clamoring for the Sixers to give him a chance…there is no reason not to…especially now
One of the most overrated players in pro basketball. He’s got value as a defensive guard, but he can’t score worth a damn, which limits his creation ability.