Dallas Mavericks rookie Dennis Smith Jr. has so far lived up to the lofty expectations set for him when he was drafted with the ninth pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. For the Mavs, Smith Jr. has performed well, proving that he is indeed the team's point guard of the future.
Smith Jr. is currently averaging 14.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He has played so well that he has been invited to participate in the NBA's Rising Stars Challenge and Slam Dunk Contest.
Marc J. Spears of the Undefeated talked to the Mavs rookie about his approach in both contests, and Smith Jr. willingly shared his thoughts.
How do you prepare for the dunk contest?
“I really can’t say. It will be different for some guys. You just go out there and strut your stuff. Everybody has a rehearsal Thursday. I am going to go out there and see how that goes, see what kind of dunks I will use, and then I will be ready for it.”
What is your outlook on the Rising Stars Challenge? Is that a game you take seriously?
“We will see how it goes, man. Sometimes it can be treated as a real All-Star Game, not really playing hard. But if they up the money like they did for the actual All-Star Game, then I am going to go out there and try to win it.”
Smith Jr.'s nonchalant response should be seen as a warning. While he isn't getting worked up about competing in both contests, he appears to be focused on going out there and dominating the competition.
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