Mini Miles: The Dennis Smith Jr Thread

Post #21 » by **fatlever** » Wed Sep 21, 2022 9:46 pm

CuseMayne wrote:
fatlever wrote:we never learn
he's the last type of player this team needs

An athletic ballhandler/decent defender who can drive and kick? Sure he can't really shoot, but I think he's worth a look. Very low risk that could turn into a solid backup PG, or just be cut before the season if he doesn't fit the bill.

Just glad they semi-recognize that Rozier shouldn't be our starting SG AND backup PG.

its the continuation of prioritizing athletic, low bball iq, immature, questionable character types, plus the poor shooting. we need steady, adults who know how to win, be a positive influence for our youngsters.

pros, he has decent size/strength so he has defensive tools and he can get to rim, something we need more of w/out miles and monk. can never have enough dudes that can penetrate. hometown kid (pro or con, i dunno)

22% from 3 though. how is that possible?

Post #22 » by **fatlever** » Thu Sep 22, 2022 12:09 am

Read on Twitter

?t=zaugS2dfE0sz4DJq1t2n_w&s=19

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Post #23 » by **JDR720** » Thu Sep 22, 2022 12:20 am

He can't shoot 3's or FT's. But it is what it is. We aren't going to sign quality players this late in the offseason.

Surprised we signed anyone at all.

Post #24 » by **Diop** » Thu Sep 22, 2022 3:10 am

i once said Elf Payton for defense, if DSj provides the same defense and is younger with a slight hope of improving, then why not I suppose.

hopefully his tough run after being drafted high and being unable to stick in the league has taught some toughness/humility to influence his character.

Braggins · Post #25 » by **Braggins** » Thu Sep 22, 2022 3:13 am

Theres still not a single bench option on this roster that can shoot a good % on 3s at a decently high volume. Feels like they are trying to recreate the Clifford clogged toilet offense.

This doesn't seem like very good place for DSJ to succeed either. The potential defense is needed, but he seems like a guy who needs space to operate and be effective on offense and the overall spacing on this team is looking pretty bad in general and straight up awful on the bench.

I also think the way this roster is shaping up does not look good for LaMelo either. Hes so talented he'll still probably improve his numbers, but I don't think its conducive towards convincing him to stay long term to put him in a situation where hes expected to create all the offense and lead the team to the playoffs with a roster that will allow defense to constantly collapse on him all game.

edit: Clifford could theoretically manage the lineups in a way to put DSJ in situations where he would have a better chance of succeeding (thats not something I can count on Clifford to do at this point). For instance, Lineups with LaMelo + PJ at the 5 could use DSJ as a point of attack defender, have LaMelo go more off ball, and still get enough shooting on the court.

-Ian- · Post #26 » by **-Ian-** » Thu Sep 22, 2022 8:10 am

I hope this pants out. Bruce Kreutzer better fix DSJ's jumpshot.

countryboi · Post #27 » by **countryboi** » Thu Sep 22, 2022 1:15 pm

fatlever wrote:

Read on Twitter
?t=zaugS2dfE0sz4DJq1t2n_w&s=19

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At this point in his career his shot is what it is. you are most likely not going to work that hitch out, so you just shoot till it works.

Post #28 » by **fatlever** » Mon Oct 10, 2022 10:03 pm

"can really, really defend the ball," - clifford

MasterIchiro · Post #29 » by **MasterIchiro** » Tue Oct 11, 2022 1:29 am

Clifford's right about that. At times he looked like Patrick Beverly tonight. He still has time. He's one decade younger. But that's his ideal archetype.

Post #30 » by **Diop** » Tue Oct 11, 2022 2:12 am

Coach Steve Clifford wrote:DSJ reminds me a lot of MCW, he can really defend the ball and I like anagram nicknames of 3 letters. It's neat and tidy, it's how I like to keep things. Reminds me of my grandma, her life was in order, her house clean and neat, her advice would be to the point. I showed her my room which is always neat and tidy and she gave me fifty pence. She's been a real inspiration for my Coaching career.

Post #31 » by **JDR720** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 2:28 am

Read on Twitter

amcoolio · Post #32 » by **amcoolio** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 3:01 am

Completely unexpected. Good on DSJ to improve and work his tail off to get back into the NBA, becuase he always had the athleticism, but played very immature. Also good on Kupchak and the scouts for finding him and locking him up

Post #33 » by **fatlever** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 3:36 am

i apologize to dsj for any slander i may have said in this thread prior to the season. i take it all back. i'm 100% in on dsj as a player.
i cant wait to see dsj and cody share the backcourt together for a few mins each game.
its so nice to finally have another strong guard who lives to defend

Post #34 » by **yosemiteben** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 11:20 am

fatlever wrote:i apologize to dsj for any slander i may have said in this thread prior to the season. i take it all back. i'm 100% in on dsj as a player.
i cant wait to see dsj and cody share the backcourt together for a few mins each game.
its so nice to finally have another strong guard who lives to defend

Might struggle to score, but imagine a lockdown D lineup of DSJ - Cody - McDaniels - PJ - Nic.

Hope we get to see it.

Post #35 » by **fatlever** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 2:57 pm

He defends with power and physicality.
He is great at getting into the paint, finishing at rim
He keeps it simple when running the offense and looks for others first
Any jumpers he makes is just a bonus. I could be content with just the other stuff.

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Post #36 » by **fatlever** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 2:58 pm

yosemiteben wrote:
fatlever wrote:i apologize to dsj for any slander i may have said in this thread prior to the season. i take it all back. i'm 100% in on dsj as a player.
i cant wait to see dsj and cody share the backcourt together for a few mins each game.
its so nice to finally have another strong guard who lives to defend
Might struggle to score, but imagine a lockdown D lineup of DSJ - Cody - McDaniels - PJ - Nic.

Hope we get to see it.

I had same thought. I'd love to see it for just few minutes.

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LofJ · Post #37 » by **LofJ** » Tue Oct 25, 2022 3:00 pm

Read on Twitter

A few more interviews like this and DSJ is going to become one of my favorite players.

Post #38 » by **fatlever** » Thu Oct 27, 2022 2:44 pm

Read on Twitter

?t=VinKtDQzKc0rf3uASzgkIQ&s=19

Defensive back. I could see him at safety for sure.

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LofJ · Post #39 » by **LofJ** » Thu Oct 27, 2022 4:05 pm

Anyone else see a lot of Kyle Lowry in Dennis Smith?

Hornet Mania · Post #40 » by **Hornet Mania** » Thu Oct 27, 2022 4:24 pm

LofJ wrote:Anyone else see a lot of Kyle Lowry in Dennis Smith?

Aside from shooting, I can definitely see what you mean.

I was shocked to learn he's still so young. He's three years younger than Martin! It would be a great story if the home state kid who seemed like a lotto bust in his other stops ends up putting it together for us.

Between Smith and Maledon I feel like we've gone from no good backup PG to two legitimately good options. I'm honestly not sure who I prefer between them, they've both been rock solid.