Former Lottery Pick Holds Tryout For 10 NBA Teams


The Las Vegas Summer League is a time for young players to show what they've got—that they can compete in the NBA. But sometimes, it's also a time for once-proven NBA players to remind teams that they're still out there. 

That's the case with Dennis Smith Jr., who was the No. 9 overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2017 NBA Draft. As an unsigned free agent, and still only 24 years old, he's holding a private tryout in Vegas for as many as ten NBA teams this week. 

His original draft team, the Mavericks, as well as the Washington Wizards (another team looking for some backcourt depth) and the Minnesota Timberwolves are some of the teams known to be attending. 

His rookie year, 2017-18, was his best in the NBA, averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists. He was traded to the New York Knicks the next season, and his game started to slowly deteriorate from there, to where he averaged just 5.6 points and 3.6 assists in 37 games for the Portland Trail Blazers this past season. 

After the loss of Jalen Brunson in free agency, it's possible that a reunion with the Mavs could make sense for both Dallas and DSJ. 

Photo Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports