Dennis Smith Jr., Freshman, Point Guard, N.C. State
Overview:
Dennis Smith Jr. is an exciting, athletic freshman prospect coming into North Carolina State. The 6’2” point guard is a top notch athlete whose leaping ability, quick burst and speed put him in the conversation of being a top five NBA draft pick. Smith Jr. is an aggressive scorer that is physical in getting to the hole and capable of finishing above the rim. The most glaring weakness in his game is his jump shot. He only shot 29% from three in high school, allowing defenders to sag off or go under screens which neutralizes his drive game. He’s also still developing as a true point guard. He does show ability to create plays for others, especially in transition. Smith Jr. will attract defenders when he attacks the rim and is capable of dishing the ball off to an open teammate. He still has his moments of questionable shot selection and needs some polish in his decision making. He has some potential on the defensive side of the ball despite his average length. His wingspan is only 6’3”, but he pressures ball handlers and gets steals when he’s engaged, which he needs to be more often.
Final Projection:
Smith Jr. displays NBA-caliber athleticism in his game. In order to be an elite prospect, he is going to have to improve either his jumper or passing ability. He can become predictable as a drive only player and must make defenders respect another area of his game. With average length, he isn’t going to be very versatile in the NBA, making it all the more important he improves his point guard polish. Off potential alone, Smith Jr. is likely headed for a lottery pick, with a good chance of finding the top five.
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