5 starting-caliber point guards to shore up the Utah Jazz roster
By Jack Simone
5 starting-caliber point guards to shore up the Utah Jazz roster: Dennis Smith Jr.
This season was one of resurrection for Dennis Smith Jr., as after years of middling play and a lack of continuity, he finally found a home with the Charlotte Hornets.
Smith Jr. revitalized his career, appearing in 54 games with the Hornets. That’s the most games he’s played since his rookie season with the Dallas Mavericks in 2017-18.
Since that point, he played for four more teams before finally landing with the Hornets ahead of this year. And with all of the injuries Charlotte dealt with, he earned ample opportunities.
He played 25.7 minutes per game, his most since his sophomore season, and started 15 games. Smith Jr. averaged 8.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, shooting 41.2% from the field and 21.6% from behind the three-point line.
At this point, Smith Jr. may not be the best starting-caliber option available to the Jazz, but at just 25 years old, he’s easily one of the most intriguing, as he still has plenty of room to grow.
If given the right opportunities in the right system with talented players around him, he could show off the potential that led to the Mavericks picking him ninth overall in 2017.