The Miami Heat’s G-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, has claimed seven-year NBA veteran Dennis Smith Jr., NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line first reported Wednesday.
The Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G-League affiliate, recently released Smith.
In 11 regular season games with the Herd, Smith averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.1 steals across 23.3 minutes per game. He shot 35.7 percent from the floor, 25.0 percent from 3-point range and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line.
Smith had four double-figure scoring games, including a 17-point outing against the Noblesville Boom (Pacers) on Nov. 30 and a 14-point, seven-rebound, six-assist night against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Rockets) on Dec. 22.
Smith last appeared in an NBA game in 2023-24 with the Brooklyn Nets. In 56 games, Smith averaged 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals on 43.5/29.4/74.1 shooting splits.
The 6-foot-2 guard has played for six different organizations, including the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets. The former No. 9 overall draft pick has appeared in 326 career NBA games, including 152 starts.
With Sioux Falls, Smith will have an opportunity to compete for a permanent spot in the team’s organization. The Skyforce are led by guard Jahmir Young, who’s on a two-way contract with the Heat, plus Josh Christopher and Trevor Keels.
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Dennis Smith Jr.’s NBA profile is characterized by elite athleticism contrasted with significant, persistent deficiencies in shooting efficiency, decision-making, and consistent defensive engagement.
While a highly touted #9 prospect in 2017, his career has been defined by an inability to develop into a reliable starting point guard, leading to a journeyman career and recent struggles to remain in the NBA.
Just another elite athlete with a low bbiq, poor shooting and poor defensive effort and attention. Athleticism isn’t everything, it’s just one thing.
I remember him form Dallas, when Luka arrived there. He was a team point guard, meant to be the future Mavs star. half of the season later, he was benched, and later traded.
A typical US basketball player of that time. Strong, fast, athletic… but he never learn how to shoot. Similar player like Johnson, just different position.
en den?