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January 22, 2019 | CBN
On Tuesday night, Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. will be rejoining his team for a game against the LA Clippers.
The Mavs have high hopes that Smith’s return will help put an end to a four-game slide, but it’s going to be a tough shot – especially when comparing his performance to that of last season’s. In fact, the 21-year-old is now averaging 12.6 points per game, down from 15.2 points last year. (via ESPN.com)
The last time Smith appeared on the court was on Jan 7th, missing six consecutive games – apparently due to a sore back for the first three, and what the Mavs refer to as an illness for the following three.
Smith has reportedly been unsatisfied with his position on the team, as NBA Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic has been evolving as the key ball-handler and point guard.
ESPN reports Smith’s new attitude to not only be a result of Doncic’s emergence, but friction with the team’s historically hard-hitting coach Rick Carlisle, as well.
But Carlisle still believes Smith to be a potentially important piece to the team’s rebuilding plans, despite the fact that the team was apparently prepared to trade Smith if the right deal surfaced. (via ESPN.com)
A lot's being made of the fact that both of these guys need the ball,” Carlisle explained on his radio show on ESPN Radio in Dallas. “We've got a lot of games left in this season. Let's play it out and see where we are. I think that's the way to go."
Guess we’ll just have to wait and see how Smith handles his return.