Nba Betting Odds

I remember watching Dennis Smith Jr. during his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks, and thinking this was the next explosive NBA point guard in the making. That 2017-18 season, he averaged a respectable 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, showcasing the kind of athleticism that made highlight reels. Fast forward to today, and his career has taken a path few predicted. As we look toward the upcoming NBA season, the question isn't just about his raw talent anymore—it's about fit, coaching, and the right system. Interestingly, while we ponder Smith Jr.'s future, a development on the other side of the basketball world caught my eye. Former NBA champion and Coach of the Year Byron Scott is back in the Philippines, this time as head coach of FilNation Select-USA in the 2025 Smart NBTC National Finals. This news, while seemingly unrelated, got me thinking about the importance of mentorship and the right environment for a player's revival. Scott, a man who coached Kyrie Irving in his early years, understands what it takes to guide talented guards. The principles he'll be teaching those young prospects in the Philippines—discipline, defensive tenacity, and playing within a system—are precisely what a player like Smith Jr. needs to internalize to make his NBA comeback stick.

The narrative around Dennis Smith Jr. has shifted dramatically. From a top-10 draft pick to a player who, in the 2022-23 season, saw his numbers dip to just 6.7 points and 3.1 assists per game across 34 games with the Charlotte Hornets. I've always been a fan of his defensive potential; his 1.3 steals per 36 minutes last season shows he can be a disruptor. But the modern NBA demands more from a point guard than just defensive flashes and occasional rim-rattling dunks. It demands consistency, floor spacing, and a high basketball IQ. This is where the Byron Scott connection, in a philosophical sense, becomes relevant. Scott's coaching philosophy, honed over his 15-year head coaching career in the NBA, has always emphasized defensive accountability and structured offense. He didn't just let his star players freelance; he integrated them into a system. For a player like Smith Jr., whose career field goal percentage sits at a concerning 39.8%, finding a coach who can simplify his offensive role and maximize his defensive strengths is paramount. He needs a "Byron Scott-type" of mentor in the league right now—someone who believes in his foundational skills but isn't afraid to demand more.

Let's be honest, the athleticism is still there. You don't just lose a 48-inch vertical. The issue has always been about harnessing that physical gift within the flow of an NBA game. I recall a specific play last season where Smith Jr. navigated a pick-and-roll, made the simple pass to the corner, and then cut for a potential offensive rebound. It was a simple, effective, and intelligent play. That's the version of him that needs to show up consistently. He doesn't need to be the primary scorer anymore; he needs to be a high-energy, defensive-minded guard who can push the pace. Think of a poor man's Patrick Beverley with better leaping ability. If he can commit to that role, focusing on say, increasing his deflections to 3.5 per game and cutting down his turnovers from his career average of 2.3, he becomes an incredibly valuable asset for a contending team looking for backcourt depth. The market for such players is always active, and at just 26 years old, the window for a career resurgence is far from closed.

Ultimately, the revival of Dennis Smith Jr.'s career hinges on two factors: his own mental acceptance of a refined role and landing with an organization that has the coaching staff to develop him properly. It's not about getting back to his rookie-year stats; it's about becoming a more complete and efficient player. Watching a seasoned coach like Byron Scott take his expertise to the Philippines to mold young talent is a reminder that development never stops, at any level of the game. For Smith Jr., the blueprint is out there. It requires sacrificing some offensive ambition for defensive grit, studying the game more intently, and finding the right fit. I'm cautiously optimistic. I've seen the flashes, and I believe the desire is still there. The upcoming season is his best, and perhaps one of his final, opportunities to cement his place in the league. It won't be easy, but if he embraces the grind, we could be talking about one of the most satisfying comeback stories of the year.