knicks1248 wrote:The fans that love frank will never admit DSJ is the better player and has the higher potential.

Frank contributes to winning basketball. He has a much higher floor. He is low usage and can operate without the ball. DSjr has a low floor he can't defend, he is high usage, he basically has to dominate the ball to be effective. His best chance is as a backup PG that can be a number 1 option for 12 minutes a game

knicks1248 wrote:The fans that love frank will never admit DSJ is the better player and has the higher potential.

Potential for what? He’s a slasher in a league that’s all about shooting, he plays no defense and turns the ball over like crazy

Dallas immediately started winning once he was gone. He’s Marbury without the contract

GustavBahler wrote:

Philc1 wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Philc1 wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

Philc1 wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

Philc1 wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

fwk00 wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:

fwk00 wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Our "solution" has to be able to handle more than 20 minutes a game. Knicks still dont know if that issue has been resolved. Frank's had groin issues since before his first game as a Knick. Missed a lot of games. Was having them before the season ended, this year.

Those numbers mean nothing if Frank cant keep the D honest. That remains to be seen. Id like to see how both Frank and DSJr spent their off time. Too much time will have passed when these guys come back, to put much stock in their plus/minus pre-pandemic. In front of crowds.

Investing another second in DSJ is Failzdale all over again. Stop the madness.

Frankie and Payton are on their way. Resign Dotson.

Package DSJ for a doorstop.

Thats silly. DSJs trade value couldnt be lower. Was a big part of the trade. The very least you do ia see if he is really 100 pct. Which he hasnt been in mind or body since he was traded.
If Smith jr exceeds expectations, you keep him. If the Knicks believe they can get a good deal for Smith jr, but the team is set at PG, trade him.

Your predictions about Frank are right now wishful thinking to say the least. Like DSJr, we have to see if Frank can bring some consistency to his game, his offense. We still dont know if either can stay healthy.

Silly. There is no overnight cure for a player whose trade value is circling the toilet. Increasing his trade value would mean throwing good minutes after bad. So what you are saying is play DSJ at the expense of Frankie (who keeps earning his keep) and whoever makes the team as well as the chance of losing early games that may be critical in a potentially shortened season on a player who has done nothing to EARN that consideration. NOTHING.

Even keeping him is a basketball sin. He would be taking a roster spot on a team that can't afford F-ups.

DSJ was just a tease in that trade. *Before the trade* Dallas shopped him to a giant 'No Thanks' from every team including the Knicks.

DSJ's *value* is as fiscal trade ballast. There are teams who might/could use him. We aren't that. He's a relatively inexpensive body who is whole.

That said, an idiot at 100% is still an idiot.

My predictions about *any* 3 -5 year PG is the same - that's when the fun begins - they know the league, they are in the game, they know their limitations and strengths, and so on. We have two such candidates, both of whom have fine futures. Nobody in their right mind throws that away on a lottery ticket.

So - best case - we have both Frankie and Payton AND a draft pick PG that insulates us from the health issue.

I know you'tr basing your argument purely on emotion because you're calling out DSJ for being a tease, while not acknowledging that Frank has been hands down the biggest tease on the team since Frank was drafted. Longest tenured Knick, biggest tease.

DSJr's first game as a Knick (with a bad back) was better than any game Frank has played healthy. They've both teased ua, but Smith has shown in Dallas, and briefly in NY, that he has a higher ceiling on offense.

1ts 100 pct stupid to trade a player at rock bottom value. Its a long way from his days averaging 16pts as a starter. Frank has yet to show he can crack double digits. Thats not hate, its a fact.

Its something that needs to be sorted out, before proclaiming him King of all PGs. In the meantime, Smith jr and Frank battling for minutes is a good thing. Competition is a good thing.

Edit: We traded JR when he was at rock bottom, had to include Shumpert to make it work. But he was the most toxic player in the league at the time. Not the deal with Smith jr.

I watched literally ever knick game last season. Maybe DSJ had some good games in 2018 when the Knicks were tanking and there was zero pressure but DSJ destroyed this team last year. No defense, turnovers up the @ss, couldn’t shoot - he was a worse version of Stephon Marbury

Has anyone that is vying for DSJR to not be traded for scraps disagreed with most of your statements?
However, do disagree that he "had some good games in 2018". Fact of the matter is had a very good first and second year as a rookie and second year guy at a very young age. He came over here after being told he was the future of a franchise but then pushed aside and had a very good second half with us and showed us what we are missing in terms of explosiveness at the PG position. Yet you ignore that(as some on here are)but rather focus on an injury plagued and tough 34 GAMES??

Look, no one is saying that he needs to fix a shot that is broken. Needs to improve on defense. And that he his play last year was definitely awful last year. We are just saying that if you take the preferential Frank treatment out of the equation, it is not wise to trade him at this low value and that the level of play and athleticism he has shown his entire life, should be a better indicator of his future potential.

It’s not just last season when DSJ was the nba’s worst +\- player. The Mavericks started winning almost immediately after getting rid of him

Shoot first PGs who shoot low percentage and play no defense kill NBA teams. Doesn’t matter the era. Marbury killed us for 5 years, Rod Strickland in the 90’s killed multiple franchises who were seduced by his stats, DSJ killed us last year and will continue to do so

You're going to have to explain to me how Frank can be at the very bottom of the league on offense, in multiple categories, since he was drafted. But one fraction of a season, Smith jr, with a bad back, among other issues. A relative handful of games played in part due to the passing of his Stepmother. Carries more weight.

Calling Smith jr a "shoot first PG" tells me you havent watched very many games with Smith jr in the lineup...anywhere.

Look up “Shoot first PG” in the encyclopedia a pic of Smith Jr is there next to Kyrie Irving. Only Irving is way better

Wasnt his rep in Dallas, Smith has been a pass first PG since entering the league. Some fans who havent seen him play much, or arent paying attention. Assume he's shoot first because he a dynamic player, when healthy. Smith jr shares the rock. If anything, Smith has given up the ball too much as a Knick. Hope he's looking to score more next season, a lot more drives to the rim.

DSJ’s reputation in Dallas was trash. That’s why Cuban was laughing when the Knicks accepted him as part of a package for Kristaps

We can go back and forth all day since you think DSJ is a young Kobe but let’s look at the stats:

34% - the highest percentage from 3 DSJ has ever shot in the nba ever. DSJ shot 28% and 29% from 3 as a Knick

5.4 - DSJ’s highest ever assists per game average. Low for a starting full time nba Point Guard

His fg percentage in Dallas was good but he wasa slashing pg

And this is a guy who plays no defense and turns the ball over a lot

Nothing to go back and forth about. You're saying that Smith is a ball hog. No basis in fact.

No you’re right DSJ passes the ball - to the other team

HofstraBBall wrote:

martin wrote:^ for me it's a losing proposition and a complete deflection of your own strength of arguments when you need to bring up other players when the topic is DSJr

Have used several factual stats to make my point that Smith is worth more than just cutting or trading for scraps. Which is the argument. Pointing out that some arguing Smith's lack of worth are failing to apply factual metrics to the players they claim are "Good", is not deflecting. It is arguing my second point. Which is that there is a biased/inconsistent view regarding Smith based on the favoritism for Frank becoming our PG. Using "Other Players" is just evidence to further support both points. In my opinion, the ones that are deflecting are fans that try to erase actual stats and use their own eye tests to favor their opinion. Also find it it curious that the fans opposing my view can't accept that although I respect their opinion, it is still JUST an opinion?

We will find out soon enough if Smith will be part of the 2020-21 Knicks. Think there are many other more important factors and players that will determine our future success.

HofstraBBall wrote:there is a biased/inconsistent view regarding Smith based on the favoritism for Frank becoming our PG

When you are evaluating a player, you do it in a bubble, as TT has in the back and forth, he never once brought up Frank. Perhaps there are other posters who prefer Frank as a player but it has nothing to do with the argument at hand and one that you have been participating in, ie, is DSJr worth keeping around.

TripleThreat wrote:I'll narrow the framework for you. In order for an NBA role player, outside his prime developmental window, to stay on a roster, he has to do at least one of the following on a consistent basis at replacement level value.

HofstraBBall wrote:1) Create his own shot
Then Frank, Knox and Robinson are out too?

I think you missed the bolded from TT "he has to at least one of the following". Your response is grade school level for me; no one would expect a player like Robinson to create his own shot and be evaluated in the same way as a PG and yet here you are trying to suggest exactly that. It's what happens when you are losing an argument or don't actually have a solid one.

martin wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

martin wrote:^ for me it's a losing proposition and a complete deflection of your own strength of arguments when you need to bring up other players when the topic is DSJr

Have used several factual stats to make my point that Smith is worth more than just cutting or trading for scraps. Which is the argument. Pointing out that some arguing Smith's lack of worth are failing to apply factual metrics to the players they claim are "Good", is not deflecting. It is arguing my second point. Which is that there is a biased/inconsistent view regarding Smith based on the favoritism for Frank becoming our PG. Using "Other Players" is just evidence to further support both points. In my opinion, the ones that are deflecting are fans that try to erase actual stats and use their own eye tests to favor their opinion. Also find it it curious that the fans opposing my view can't accept that although I respect their opinion, it is still JUST an opinion?

We will find out soon enough if Smith will be part of the 2020-21 Knicks. Think there are many other more important factors and players that will determine our future success.

HofstraBBall wrote:there is a biased/inconsistent view regarding Smith based on the favoritism for Frank becoming our PG

When you are evaluating a player, you do it in a bubble, as TT has in the back and forth, he never once brought up Frank. Perhaps there are other posters who prefer Frank as a player but it has nothing to do with the argument at hand and one that you have been participating in, ie, is DSJr worth keeping around.

TripleThreat wrote:I'll narrow the framework for you. In order for an NBA role player, outside his prime developmental window, to stay on a roster, he has to do at least one of the following on a consistent basis at replacement level value.

HofstraBBall wrote:1) Create his own shot
Then Frank, Knox and Robinson are out too?

I think you missed the bolded from TT "he has to at least one of the following". Your response is grade school level for me; no one would expect a player like Robinson to create his own shot and be evaluated in the same way as a PG and yet here you are trying to suggest exactly that. It's what happens when you are losing an argument or don't actually have a solid one.

What is my argument? Btw, more like difference of opinions.

So your saying that Centers do not create their own shot? So post moves? Besides, you do know that I was being somewhat facetious. While making the point that bias exists regarding Smith because of Frank.

"Grade level response" I disagree. For me it is grade level to limit the metrics of a discussion to metrics that only help your point or exclude those which may prove your point wrong. Also don't see it as grade level to include others to help make your point. As TT did when he included Lin, multiple 2nd rounders and every internet blogger that could write a negative story about Smith in order to support his views. Referring to Frank and others is relevant to argue the bias I am saying exists. Which was always part of the discussion. And once again, it is my OPINION that the stats I posted were sufficient to show his worth. Regardless of those that prefer the cherry picked ones they feel are more relevant. Which TT and I have no trouble bull****ting back and forth about.

But again, this is my complaint with some Smith haters. I respect the ones that just come out and say "HE SUCKS!" Or the ones that say they prefer Frank and his "playing style". Just not a fan of those that try to use all the bull**** to pretend their OPINION means more than those of others. Especially the ones that push self-proclaimed "more important metrics" to make their OPINION seem absolute.

We are all Knicks fans. Although I feel we should root for ALL our players, I will reapect anyone who doesn't.

TripleThreat wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:As for your other comments. I agree with most of the things you feel Smith needs to improve. Except for the one about clogging the middle. In basketball that idea is used for players that actually spend time in the middle. ie bigs that post up. But fair enough. You think he is amiddle clogger and needs to adjust. Disagree. Btw, I did not know we were discussing what Smith needed to "Salvage" his career. Though we were just debating that there is no rush to trading him?..... Based on watching Smith in Dallas and the numbers he put up the first two years. I also do not feel any young asset, in their first 3 years who have showed potential, should be traded for scraps.

Elfrid Payton was the best point guard on the Knicks last year by nearly every metric. He started the season hurt, but by the end of the year he averaged 10 points per game. With Marcus Morris no longer on the roster, it was the fourth-highest total on the team behind Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and Bobby Portis.

Payton led the team in assists at 7.2 per game and 9.4 per 36 minutes thanks to his ability to penetrate and dish. He only averaged 2.1 turnovers per game. Throw in his 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game and it paints the picture of a complete player.

Payton had the team’s second best Net Rating (plus/minus per 100 possessions) per 100 possessions after Mitchell Robinson. The team was 5.5 points better per 100 possessions when Payton was on the court versus when he was on the bench. The Knicks won more games because Payton was on the team.

Offensively, Payton gets a lot of his stats by holding the ball too long and overdribbling. Too often he seemed to only have eyes for Julius Randle. His lack of shooting makes it impossible to spread the floor.

Payton is a solid backup, but nothing more than that. The Knicks have him under contract for $8 million dollars next season, but only $1 million of it is guaranteed. If the Knicks draft a point guard or go after an upgrade in free agency such as Fred Van Vleet, Payton is unlikely to return.

Smith also had the worst Net Rating on the Knicks, and one of the worst in the entire NBA at -17.1. The team was an amazing 13 points better per 100 possessions better when he was on the bench. There was virtually nothing redeemable about his third season as a pro.

The Knicks were the sixth worst team in the NBA this year. And somehow they were 14.8 points worse when Smith was on the floor.

The Knicks have several areas in need of improvement this offseason, with some in the franchise believing that acquiring a lead guard who creates shots should be a top priority for the team, Ian Begley of SNY writes.

Other focal points (prior to Leon Rose being hired) included finding a big man who can spread the floor, Begley notes, adding that one opposing executive in contact with New York said part of their offseason thinking will be finding players who compliment RJ Barrett.

“If you want to complement Barrett, that’s where I’d go,” the executive said. “Adding (a guard and big man who can shoot from the perimeter), you space the floor and make things easier for him. The floor was so crowded for them this year.”

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2019/11/14/20964601/new-york-knicks-steve-mills-julius-randle-marcus-morris-offseason-free-agency

Frank Ntilikina is a better off-ball player and seems to have more confidence after a summer in France. But opponents still help off him when he doesn’t have the ball, which is often because the Knicks have so many other mouths to feed.

That includes R.J. Barrett, the Knicks’ prized rookie who must feel like he’s playing against 10 defenders whenever he touches the ball. Barrett’s a tough driver and has flashed more of a three-point shot off the dribble than I expected, but it’s hard to generate good looks when the floor looks like this on his pick-and-rolls:

Here’s another way to look at it. Let’s consider a player a 3-point threat if he shot at least 33.3% on 3s and took at least one 3 for every 20 minutes he was on the court. In the 2014-15 season, NBA lineups had anywhere from zero to four 3-point threats on the court at a time. The following chart shows the number of help defenders (defenders besides the on-the-ball defender) that lineups typically faced while attempting to penetrate. We see that with each additional 3-point threat in the lineup, the group faced less help defense on penetration, and their offensive rating (ORtg) improved. (ORtg is points scored per 100 possessions.)

Offensive and Defensive Ratings (Net Rating) - What Do They Tell Us?

In the world of advanced basketball analytics, offensive and defensive ratings are used as a way to track and compare how an individual player affects his or her team's performance. At a basic level, the offensive rating of a player represents how many points a team scores when that player is on the court and the defensive rating for how many points they allow. The two combined (offense-defense) are referred to as the net rating often times written as NETRTG.

https://www.pivotanalysis.com/post/net-rating

https://stats.nba.com/player/1628372/advanced/

Spotrac does a valuation of players based on their production against their cost

https://www.spotrac.com/nba/valuation/guard/

There are clear reasons why I've said DSJr should be refocused on becoming a defensive stopper at all costs and live behind both arcs.

So 34 games? Got it. Again. agreed he had a bad 34 game season. Ok, let me use your method. Here you go:

https://www.wfaa.com/article/sports/nba/mavericks/by-the-numbers-how-dennis-smith-jrs-rookie-year-compared-to-other-stars/287-540096020

By the numbers: How Dennis Smith Jr.’s rookie year compared to other stars'
In less minutes per game, Dennis Smith Jr. put up numbers similar to those of Russell Westbrook posted in his rookie campaign in 2008-09.

Dennis Smith Jr.'s rookie numbers stacked up with those of Russell Westbrook's in 2008-09, in less minutes. Photos: USA TODAY Sports left), Getty Images (right)
Author: Jeff Mapua (contributor)
Published: 10:58 AM CDT April 16, 2018
Updated: 10:58 AM CDT April 16, 2018
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Early in the season, we took a look at the numbers for what many would consider a successful rookie year for Dennis Smith Jr. He was most frequently compared to players like Steve Francis and Russell Westbrook among others. Spoiler alert: Smith Jr. did enough in his first year to live up to those lofty expectations.

Here are the rookie season numbers for the All-Stars DSJ was compared to along with Smith Jr.’s stats:

Age Games PTS TRB AST FG% 3P% FTA
Chris Paul 20 78 16.1 5.1 7.8 .430 .282 6.0
Russell Westbrook 20 82 15.3 4.9 5.3 .398 .271 5.2
Derrick Rose 20 81 16.8 3.9 6.3 .475 .222 3.1
Steve Francis 22 77 18.0 5.3 6.6 .445 .345 4.7
Dennis Smith Jr. 20 69 15.2 3.8 5.2 .395 .313 2.8
On the surface, DSJ’s numbers don’t compare too favorably with the others. He played fewer games, and averaged fewer points, rebounds, and assists. His field goal percentage was the lowest of the bunch, and he didn’t get to the free throw line as often as the other players did.

However, he was only 0.1 points per game and 0.1 assists per game from matching Westbrook, while shooting at a much better clip from three. Taking a look at the number of minutes per game reveals that DSJ is at a disadvantage. Smith Jr. averaged only 29.7 minutes per game. Westbrook logged 32.5, Paul and Francis averaged about 36, and Rose played an incredible 37 minutes per game. In the one game he logged 40 minutes, Smith Jr. tallied 20 points, 11 assists, and 5 rebounds. If Smith Jr. played more minutes, he could have added a point, rebound, or assist to his averages.

Smith Jr. also had issues all year getting to the free-throw line despite consistently attacking the basket. Mavs fans are quick to point out that he suffered from being treated like a rookie by the refs, and it was clear that Smith Jr. was frustrated by the lack of calls. Next season will reveal whether or not his frustrations are justified.

A good first year does not guarantee success in the long run, just as a bad first year does not condemn a player to a terrible career. Case in point, here are Dirk Nowitzki’s stats from his first season:

Age Games PTS TRB AST FG% 3P% FTA
Dirk Nowitzki 20 47 8.2 3.4 1.0 .405 .206 2.7
*Strike-shortened season
Now that the Mavericks’ “rebuilding” season is over and they’re guaranteed a top-6 draft pick, fans have good reason to expect greater things from the young star in the making.

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/mavericks/2018/04/08/dennis-smith-jr-s-rookie-year-in-same-category-as-ben-simmons-mavs-coach-rick-carlisle-explains/

Dennis Smith Jr.'s rookie year in 'same category' as Ben Simmons'? Mavs coach Rick Carlisle explains
Dallas Mavericks' Dennis Smith Jr., center, shoots as Philadelphia 76ers' Richaun Holmes, left, and Markelle Fultz, right, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Dallas Mavericks' Dennis Smith Jr., center, shoots as Philadelphia 76ers' Richaun Holmes, left, and Markelle Fultz, right, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 8, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)(Chris Szagola / AP)
By Eddie Sefko

3:21 PM on Apr 8, 2018 CDT

PHILADELPHIA - In Game No. 81, one of the favorites for rookie of the year wreaked some pretty serious havoc on the Mavericks.

The Mavericks? They just reeked - in keeping with the rest of this season.

Either the Sixers' Ben Simmons, who was the No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft, or Utah's Donovan Mitchell, who went 13th this season, is going to be rookie of the year in the NBA. Dennis Smith Jr. has had a fine first season and is deserving of first-team all-rookie consideration.

But the ROY is a two-man race.

Or is it?

There is a school of thought around the league that Simmons, by virtue of having been with the Sixers all of last season while he was recovering from surgery to repair a fracture in his foot, isn't really a true rookie.

Being around an NBA team for a full season, even while not playing, can be a huge benefit to a player.

That didn't keep Blake Griffin from being the rookie of the year in 2011 after having missed all his first season in the league after surgery.

And there is no denying Simmons' ability.

He's averaging 16 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game. At 6-10, he's the new breed of point guard, doing things at his size that nobody since Magic Johnson did.

Late in the second quarter, he faced up against Doug McDermott, gave a little jab step and rolled past McDermott for a one-handed slam.

That was on his way to 16 points, nine assists and seven rebounds as the Sixers routed the Mavericks 109-97. It was Philadephia's 14th consecutive win and the Mavericks' third consecutive loss.

Utah's Mitchell, meanwhile, averages 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Smith? He's been very respectable, averaging 15.1 points, 5.1 assists and 3.8 rebounds. And in the past month, he's been better than that, averaging over 17 points.

And he acquitted himself nicely against Simmons and this year's No. 1 overall pick, Markelle Fultz, with 20 points, 11assists and five rebounds.

"I put him in the category of Simmons in that he hasn't hit the rookie wall, either physically or mentally," coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's gotten stronger and tougher. You look at his stats the last month, they've been terrific. And I really like what he's done in establishing himself as a leader on this team."

So in Carlisle's opinion, does Simmons qualify for rookie of the year? Maybe. But that's not really the point as far as he's concerned.

"I don't know. It depends on who you talk to, I suppose," he said. "The guy's had a terrific year. You can't begrudge him any of the things he's done this year.

"Some could debate whether it's a real rookie season or not. To me, it doesn't matter. I'm all for great young players coming into the league and that's what he is. So, look, he's led the team to a great shot at a home court in the first round in his first year of playing and that's a pretty big deal."

There remains a question about whether Smith will make the all-rookie first team or not. Besides Mitchell and Simmons, Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, Lauri Markkanen and Kyle Kuzma all are deserving of consideration, as well as Smith.

That four of those seven players are at least part-time point guards is a testament to just how important the position is these days.

Dennis Smith Jr.’s Rookie of the Year Stock Keeps Trending Up
OCT 13, 2017by CHRIS CROUSEin PLAYER BREAKDOWNS

The development of Dennis Smith Jr. will function as a major storyline for the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2017-18 season. He possesses the highest upside of any player on the roster, though his raw skill set means head coach Rick Carlisle will have to perform one of his better coaching jobs in recent memory if he’s going to get the most out of the uber-talented point guard.

Smith is among the favorites to win Rookie of the Year, with only Ben Simmons and Lonzo Ball widely seen as more likely to take home the hardware. Some betting sites, like Odds Shark, have just Ball ahead. Historically, usage and role are major indicators in determining a Rookie of the Year winner. Before Malcolm Brogdon earned the honors last season, no winner saw fewer than 30 minutes per game since Tom Heinsohn brought the Celtics the franchise’s first ROY award back in 1958.

While the loss of Seth Curry, who’s indefinitely sidelined with an injury to his left tibia, hurts the franchise in the short term, it’s a net positive for the N.C. State product’s ROY campaign.

Curry’s offense came alive in the second half of last season. After the All-Star break, he was second on the team in points per game (16.2), and Allen Crabbe, C.J. McCollum, and Kyle Korver were the only players in the league with at least four attempts per game who bested Curry’s 45.3 percent mark from downtown. Dallas was counting on similar production from the 27-year-old, but his absence will now allow Smith to assume more responsibilities on the offensive side of the court.

During his lone season in the ACC, Smith flashed potential as a franchise point guard. He averaged 18.2 points per game and was routinely counted on to make plays for his team in tough situations. Just take a look at this pass he makes late in the game against Duke (3:40 mark):

The defense double-teams Smith off the pick-and-roll, forcing him to his right and preparing to use the sideline as an additional defender. But Smith uses his agility and strength to skirt his upper body around the defenders just long enough to see the passing lane and fire the ball into the paint, which led to an easy bucket. From that moment on, the game was N.C. State’s to lose, and the team never looked back.

That’s the kind of game-changer Smith is. He has the ability to demoralize opponents by turning what appears to be well-played possessions into fruitless efforts.

Dallas’ roster, which is flush with outside shooting, complements his drive-and-kick ability and knack for running the floor. The Mavericks played at the second-slowest pace last season, though Smith may be better off operating in a system with a faster tempo. Luckily, Carlisle plans to alter the team’s offense this season.

“We’re going to play faster,” Carlisle said on media day, per Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News. “Which is going to create some challenges for us on both sides of the ball. But that’s what training camp is for.”

Through four preseason games, the Mavericks are seeing roughly eight more possessions per contest than they did last season. It’s a small sample size, and preseason games are admittedly a different animal than the regular-season marathon. However, the team’s pace of play is at least trending in the right direction.

Curry’s absence should also indirectly help Smith on both the defensive end, as well as with playing time. The Duke product was set to start alongside the rookie in the backcourt with Wesley Matthews, Harrison Barnes and Dirk Nowitzki sliding in at the 3-5 positions. In those lineups, Smith is likely to routinely draw one of the tougher defensive assignment in the backcourt.

It’s not that Curry is a bad defender and couldn’t handle the tougher assignments regularly (he actually came in as a slight positive on defense, per ESPN.com’s real plus/minus); it’s that his 6’2″, 185-pound frame is just undersized for the shooting guard position. Though Smith is roughly the same height, he’s bulkier than Curry, which could mean he’ll be asked to handle the more threatening matchups more often. Transferring some of Curry’s backcourt minutes to a stronger defender will allow Smith to consistently focus on the opponent who poses less of a threat.

Insert the lankier Devin Harris, who ranked 14th among point guards last season on defense per ESPN.com’s RPM and save the 19-year-old from taking on the Russell Westbrooks and Chris Pauls of the world—or even the Mike Conley-level players. Slide Matthews back over to the 2 next to Smith and ensure the rookie doesn’t have to worry about those assignments.

Smith appeared disengaged at times during his freshman campaign at N.C. State, and his defense suffered. But part of that was circumstance, as his team struggled and his coach was ultimately fired. Though the situation in Dallas is almost certainly going to be more stable, the organization will not sit by and continue to hand minutes to a player who’s not putting forth maximum effort and progressing on the defensive end. Taking on tough assignments on a nightly basis would further highlight any defensive deficiencies Smith currently possesses, and with that comes the risk of Carlisle benching him for a veteran option.

The race for 2017-18 Rookie of the Year is expected to be one of the tightest and most competitive in recent memory. Ball will Ball. Simmons will shine as a point-power forward after redshirting last season, and Markelle Fultz will perform once he’s healthy enough to find his groove. Frank Ntilikina and Lauri Markkanen loom as potential darkhorses, as both their respective teams are expected to sink down in the standings, which could result in heavy usage for the pair of top-10 picks.

When the competition is this fierce, even the slightest change in circumstances impacts the odds. Curry’s injury gives Smith an opportunity to pull ahead, and if he thrives early on, the other contenders will be looking up at him all season long.

See how you can interweb for validation and post fill? Whats funny about you posting this conclusive proof (Much better than the Cricket guy) is that you are still trying to prove how much analytics mean more than basic stats in order to validate the the reason we should trade Smith. However, the story you posted and mentioning that the analytics show Payton to be our best PG? So clearly analytics is not everything? Unless you feel Payton is the answer to all our problems?

Bottom Line: We have two different OPINIONS. No matter how you and others try to make it seem like your reasoning has more weight.

TT- Smith sucks because of his 34 game season, advanced analytics and should be dealt for scraps?
Me- Smith should not be traded for scraps because he was the main asset in KP trade, was injured last year, is off the charts athletic and had a solid first two years.

In terms of what you mentioned above regarding fit and needs. Agree that we need shooters. Every team benefits from those. Problem is, once you have shooters you also need to consider the defensive side. Biggest issue is that we do not have ANYONE that can shoot let alone players that can do both on the current roster. Including RJ who the article seems to think is our main piece in paring considerations. Although Smith is one of those that can not shoot, I do like his potential to fill another area I have complained about in previous years. Which is not having a guard that is quick, pushes the tempo and breaks down a defense. Additionally, I think he would definitely, like everyone else, benefit if we had better shooters. My thoughts are that we need are athletic combo 3s, 4's. An athletic 5 that can defend and also hit a jumper. We need a knock down SG. And we need a quick penetrating guard that can create for good shooters and get easy buckets in transition.