The 2025 NBA Finals are officially underway, meaning the upcoming free agency period is that much closer to arriving. A plethora of veteran names will become unrestricted free agents on July 6, and that's without mentioning how overseas players will also use free agency as an opportunity for an NBA debut or comeback.
When it comes to players looking to return to the Association this summer, one former Detroit Pistons guard just took a major step toward a potential NBA comeback.
Former Pistons Guard Dennis Smith Jr. to Attend 76ers Minicamp
Former 2017 first-round pick Dennis Smith Jr. is one of several overseas players looking to return to the NBA before the 2025-26 campaign. The former Pistons guard has already started his comeback attempt by participating in the Philadelphia 76ers' two-day veteran minicamp, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
Former NBA lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr is working out for the #Sixers, according to sources. Smith is among several participants at the team’s two-day veteran minicamp. pic.twitter.com/Gljlgvk0dj
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 5, 2025
Smith made his way to the NBA as a lottery pick with the Dallas Mavericks. He immediately made an impact as a rookie, averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 69 starts. His time in the Lone Star State didn't last long after that, though, as he was sent to the New York Knicks before the 2019 trade deadline.
Smith played parts of three seasons in New York before the Knicks traded him to the Pistons in February 2021, resulting in Derrick Rose being sent back the other way. The former NC State product went on to play 20 games (9 starts) with Detroit, averaging only 7.3 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 41.5% from the floor and 35.2% from deep.
It's been a rollercoaster ride since Smith left the Motor City, to say the least. He played with the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets after exiting the Pistons, and even had a failed stint with the NBA G League's Wisconsin Herd last season. Once that move flopped, he played four games with Real Madrid overseas before turning his attention to a North American return.
Whether or not Smith succeeds in his comeback attempt remains to be seen. Although he's a former first-rounder with 326 regular-season games under his belt, his performance in Europe hinted that his best days might be in the rearview mirror. If he fails to impress during the 76ers' minicamp, the Fayetteville, NC native's NBA dreams could be over.
Who knows? Perhaps Smith will capitalize on his new opportunity enough to catch the Pistons' attention. Guards Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder, and Malik Beasley are all set to become free agents next month, and one or more of their exits could open the door for Smith to return to Detroit's bench.
Either way, the possibility of Smith playing NBA minutes next season will become clearer as the offseason progresses.