Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban's self-admitted tank during the 2016-17 NBA season paid off for them in this year's draft. They managed to find themselves in position to take point guard Dennis Smith Jr. out of NC State with the ninth overall pick.

The rookie has already garnered attention league-wide for his stellar play thus far in the 2017-18 NBA season. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, even Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dwyane Wade had to give Smith Jr. his props prior to their matchup:

“We all see the highlights. He’s a very explosive kid and he’s exciting. I think a lot of players favor a guy to turn on the TV and check out because you don’t know what he’s going to do from one night to the next.”

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The veteran Wade knows a thing or two about strong guard play after having been one of the best in his generation. Smith Jr. possesses the kind of speed and explosiveness reminiscent of the former Miami Heat superstar.

The Mavs rookie has been one of the lone bright spots for this struggling unit, averaging 14.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. With Dallas seemingly stuck in a full-scale rebuild, they will likely start to fortify this roster around Smith Jr. and forward Harrison Barnes.