Dennis

Smith

Smith, the Mavericks’ first-round pick in the 2017 draft, could not break through and earn a roster spot during training camp as Dallas looks to compensate for Kyrie Irving’s (knee) absence. Smith last played in the NBA during the 2023-24 campaign, making 56 appearances for the Nets. He spent last season playing for EuroLeague stalwarts Real Madrid.

Smith, the ninth overall pick in the 2017 draft, returns to the city where he began his NBA career. The athletic point guard last played in the NBA during the 2023-24 season, appearing in 56 games for the Nets. Last season, Smith played for Real Madrid. He is going into training camp hoping to earn a standard contract, potentially offering additional depth while the Mavericks await Kyrie Irving’s return from a torn ACL. Brandon Williams is on a partially guaranteed deal and may have the most to worry about regarding his chances of making the opening night roster.

Schroder, Finney-Smith, and Smith are all done for the season, with the Nets focused on getting younger players quality minutes for developmental reasons. The former was the most impactful in fantasy basketball this season, ranking just inside the top 150 in season-long value. While Schroder and Finney-Smith should be worth selecting with a late-round pick in drafts next fall, Smith will not.

Finney-Smith’s absence is more impactful, as he was a starter when healthy. Rookie Noah Clowney, who played well next to Nic Claxton on Wednesday and blocked seven shots, should hold onto that job as the Nets continue to evaluate the first-round pick. As for Smith, his absence means more minutes for starting point guard Dennis Schroder.

Smith will remain sidelined, meaning starting point guard Dennis Schroder will play even more than usual.

Smith’s absence will not impact fantasy basketball, as starting point guard Dennis Schroder (Achilles) has been cleared to play.

Initially probable for Sunday’s game, Smith’s status has been downgraded to doubtful. Starting point guard Dennis Schroder is available, so DSJ’s likely absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

DSJ is expected to be back after not playing in six of their last seven games, and he could end up taking on extra minutes. Dennis Schroder (Achilles) is questionable to play on the second night of a back-to-back, and if he is out, DSJ could move into the starting unit. However, if both DSJ and Schroder play, Smith Jr. will fill out the backup guard minutes, which will likely push Lonnie Walker back out of the rotation.

After playing 36 minutes on Saturday, Schroder may be left on the sidelines for the second night of the back-to-back. If that happens, Dennis Smith Jr. should slide into the starting lineup in his place, with Lonnie Walker taking on the backup guard role.

Both players were initially listed as doubtful, and now they have been ruled out for this game. Noah Clowney and Trendon Watford should be the main beneficiaries off the bench, though Lonnie Walker and Jalen Wilson should see extra minutes as well.