I remember watching Dennis Smith Jr. during his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks back in 2017, and thinking this kid was destined for stardom. That explosive 48-inch vertical leap wasn't just a combine statistic - it translated into breathtaking in-game dunks that made him must-watch television. Fast forward to today, and we're looking at a player who has bounced through five different NBA teams in seven seasons, currently fighting for his professional life with the Brooklyn Nets. The question hanging over this season isn't just about statistical improvement - it's about whether we're witnessing one of those rare career resurrections that basketball historians will discuss for decades.
What makes this potential comeback particularly fascinating is the timing. We're seeing a basketball landscape where experienced coaches are recognizing the value of mentoring young talent in developmental leagues worldwide. Just last week, I was discussing with colleagues how Byron Scott's return to the Philippines represents something bigger than just another coaching assignment. The former NBA champion and Coach of the Year is heading FilNation Select-USA in the 2025 Smart NBTC National Finals, and his presence there signals how seriously established basketball minds are taking global player development. This context matters for Smith because his career trajectory reflects the modern reality that NBA success isn't always linear, and sometimes the path to redemption involves learning from coaches who understand both championship pedigree and rebuilding careers.
Looking at Smith's numbers last season - 6.7 points and 3.3 assists in 16 minutes per game - doesn't tell the full story. What impressed me most was his defensive transformation. He increased his steal percentage to 3.8%, ranking him among the top 15 guards in this category, and his defensive rating improved by nearly 4 points compared to his previous season. These might seem like incremental improvements, but for a player whose defense was consistently questioned earlier in his career, they represent fundamental changes in approach and effort. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who've noted his improved off-ball awareness and commitment to fighting through screens - aspects of his game that were virtually nonexistent three seasons ago.
The Brooklyn Nets situation creates an interesting opportunity that Smith hasn't had since his Dallas days - consistent minutes in a system that values his specific skill set. With Ben Simmons' ongoing health concerns and the team's lack of traditional point guard depth, Smith has logged meaningful minutes in 68% of games this season compared to just 42% last year. What I'm seeing is a player who's finally healthy after those knee issues that plagued his early development, and more importantly, a player who seems to have matured in his understanding of team basketball. His assist-to-turnover ratio has climbed to 2.8:1, a career best that indicates better decision-making rather than just raw athleticism.
There's an interesting parallel between Smith's journey and what Byron Scott is doing overseas. When I interviewed Scott back in 2019, he emphasized that player development isn't just about physical skills but about rebuilding confidence and basketball IQ. Smith appears to be benefiting from similar guidance within the Nets organization. His shot selection has improved dramatically - he's reduced his long two-point attempts by 37% compared to his rookie season while increasing his three-point rate. The results aren't spectacular yet (34% from deep), but the trend suggests he's adapting to modern NBA offensive requirements.
What often gets overlooked in these comeback stories is the mental aspect. Having covered Smith since his NC State days, I've noticed a different demeanor in his recent interviews. There's less bravado and more reflection about his journey. He recently mentioned studying film of late-blooming guards like Chauncey Billups and Kyle Lowry, players who took several seasons to find their NBA footing before becoming All-Stars. This intentional study of successful career arcs shows a level of self-awareness that was missing during his earlier stops.
The financial stakes are real too. Smith is playing on a veteran minimum contract of $2.1 million this season, but a successful campaign could position him for a multi-year deal in the $5-7 million annual range. At 26 years old, he's entering what should be his physical prime, and the Nets have every incentive to develop him into a tradable asset or long-term rotation piece. From conversations I've had with league executives, there's genuine curiosity about whether Smith can become this season's version of Malik Monk - a former lottery pick who rediscovers his game in a new environment.
My prediction? Smith won't suddenly morph into an All-Star, but I believe he'll establish himself as a reliable backup point guard who can provide defensive intensity and occasional offensive bursts. The athleticism that made him a top-10 pick remains, and now it's complemented by hard-earned wisdom from his career struggles. Watching him navigate this season reminds me why basketball remains the most compelling theater - because career narratives can shift dramatically when talent meets opportunity at the right moment. The pieces are aligning for Smith in ways they never have before, and while I don't expect an MVP-caliber transformation, I'm confident we'll look back on this season as the turning point that extended his career by several productive years.