2017 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

3. PG Dennis Smith Jr., NC State

Standing around 6-3, Smith is possibly the quickest player in the 2017 draft class. He only ways 160 pounds, but is incredibly well built for that size, and has the athletic tools needed to get anywhere on the court without hesitation. With Cat Barber now out at NC State and Smith likely to take the reigns as the main creator, he’ll have ample opportunities to showcase his talents throughout the season in a solid ACC program.

Offensively, Smith’s ability to create plays off the dribble is simply fun to watch at times. He’s a crafty ball handler who can get into the lane with apparent ease, and has the combination of speed and finesse needed to either find his own shot or create for others at that point. He’s a strong finisher regardless of positioning around the basket, and is highly difficult to contain given his precision with the ball and uncanny first step.

Smith’s prowess on the fast break is another massive boost to his game. He works well at different speeds and is more than capable of getting out into the open court and orchestrating transition opportunities.

Decision making has been the biggest knock on Smith thus far, as he can tend to over-dribble from time to time loses some of his passing touch off the dribble, but that’s an issue that should get better with more talent around him and more work with an upper level coaching staff. He has all the physical tools to put himself in whichever position he pleases on the court, and is a few better passes away from being a frightening entity at any level of play.

Defensively, Smith has the tools to defend the one spot to a ‘T’. He’s extremely light on his feet and has the physical tools needed to guard the most elite forces at the position. He hasn’t always been keen on being an elite defender, but with less of an offensive burden to carry and a more pressing coaching staff behind him, that’s something else that could change.

Next: 2. Monk