Amidst their preparation for the 2025 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers are hosting a two-day veteran minicamp where fringe-level NBA players and G-Leaguers can show off their skills. Several players are slated to participate, but one stands out. You may remember him from J. Cole’s verse on 21 Savage’s “A Lot” or his weird stint with the Dallas Mavericks several years ago.
Dennis Smith Jr, the 9th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, will engage in this minicamp according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Other participants include Eugene Omoruyi, Malcolm Hill, Adama Sanago, Alondes Williams, Malik Williams, Armando Bacot, Javonte Cooke, Judah Mintz, and Leaky Black, Pompey later reported.
Would DSJ be a good fit with the 76ers?
Smith last played in the NBA for the Brooklyn Nets during the 2023-24 season where he appeared in 56 games – averaging 6.6 points per game on 50.8% true-shooting, 3.6 assists per game, and 1.2 steals per game. Nevertheless, Smith’s true calling card is his defensive capabilities, especially while defending off the point-of-attack. His ability to jar the ball loose and aggressively navigate screens generated many easy transition opportunities for Brooklyn.
While the Nets’ collective defense wasn’t strong that season, they gave up 4.5 more points per 100 possessions when Smith was off the floor compared to when he was on it. Additionally, he led Brooklyn in deflections per game (2.4) and steals per game (1.2). Nick Nurse loves defensive playmakers who can increase tempo and Smith encapsulates that. In a vacuum, he’s a worse version of Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn, but a high-level defender nonetheless.
However, Smith’s limited offensive creation is a drawback as 56.8% of his shot attempts came from within 10 feet of the basket during the 2023-24 season. He’s comfortable attacking defenders in isolation and getting to the rim off screens, but his inability to extend his shooting beyond the nail area makes him a tough sell for NBA teams. Smith shot just 29.4% from beyond the arc on 1.9 attempts per game in his lone season with the Nets. Now more than ever, teams are willing to leave non-shooters open to swarm ball-handlers, especially in the playoffs.
My verdict
Overall, he is a solid pick-and-roll general with a sound defensive motor, and he does belong in the NBA to some degree. Still, with Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes, and Jared Butler all potentially returning next season, there may be too much overlap if the 76ers were to sign Smith. Depending on what unravels in the offseason, he’s undoubtedly a player Philadelphia should keep on its radar as I campaigned for him to be signed last year. At the very least, the 76ers should give him a shot during the Summer League and/or preseason.