Back to the Dallas Mavericks Newsfeed

Mavs expecting big summer out of Dennis Smith Jr., who is a self-proclaimed gym rat and a key to the franchise’s future

DALLAS – There’s absolutely no doubt in the mind of Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle that Dennis Smith Jr. will put in the necessary heavy work on and off the court this offseason that’ll make him one of the best point guards in the National Basketball Association.

“He’s got an intrinsic competitiveness that was a very positive part of why we wanted to draft him,” Carlisle said during the team’s exit interview. “Again, the refinement of skills is an on-going thing for NBA players. You’ve got to continue to grow, there’s no staying the same.

“You’re either getting better or you’re not getting better.