Detroit Jock City
Fansided

Detroit Pistons: Examining where Dennis Smith Jr. fits

By Tejas Bedi

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons moves the ball up court in front of Dennis Smith Jr. #4 of the New York Knicks in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons moves the ball up court in front of Dennis Smith Jr. #4 of the New York Knicks in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Detroit Pistons
Elsa/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Pistons made their first big move of the season, trading Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks. In return, the Pistons received Charlotte’s second-round pick and Dennis Smith Jr.

The pick is the main part of the return as the upcoming draft is one of the deepest in recent history, and the Hornets aren’t lighting the league on fire by any means at this point of the year. However, Dennis Smith Jr is only four years removed from being a top 10 pick and is still only 23 years old.

Smith entered the league out of NC State after his freshman year. At the time, he was considered an incredibly athletic point guard who excelled at getting to the rim and creating his own shot. He still needed to develop as a passer and learn to run an offense.

His defense was inconsistent, but when he locked in, he had all the tools to be a good defender. Overall, Smith Jr definitely needed to grow, but he was expected to score from the start.

His scouting report looked accurate as he averaged 15 points and 5 assists a game from the start. This was enough to earn a spot on the All-Rookie second team. After that, he was traded to the Knicks in the Porzingis trade and started off well with the Knicks.

His scoring took a slight dip but improved his shooting splits across the board despite struggling with back and wrist injuries. Unfortunately for Smith Jr, his third season was basically a disaster. He lost his stepmother and struggled with injuries again, resulting in him only playing 34 games.

When he was playing, he struggled to shoot, only shooting 34% from the floor and scoring 5 points a game. Smith’s struggles carried over to this preseason, and Smith was unable to crack the rotation; ultimately, Smith requested to go to the G League to get playing time before he was traded.

Home/Detroit Pistons