Home EuroLeague Real Madrid signs former NBA guard Dennis Smith Jr.

Real Madrid signs former NBA guard Dennis Smith Jr.

Photo: Real Madrid

Real Madrid has officially signed 27-year-old Dennis Smith Jr., a former NBA guard, to bolster their backcourt. The club, currently seventh in the EuroLeague with a 12-9 record, sees Smith as a key addition to enhance both defense and scoring.

Smith was selected as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. His debut season in the NBA showed great promise, averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game. However, his role diminished after Luka Doncic’s arrival, eventually leading to Smith’s trade to the New York Knicks.

Throughout his career, Smith struggled to find consistent playing time. He moved between several NBA teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets. Despite his challenges, Smith’s athleticism and defensive skills kept him relevant.

Last season, Smith played limited minutes with the Nets, averaging 6.6 points and 3.6 assists in 18.8 minutes per game. Injuries and evolving roles in the NBA hindered his development, but Smith has shown promise in his willingness to adapt and revive his career.

Now in Europe, Smith joins Real Madrid with a fresh outlook. His move represents a significant shift, as his father had previously suggested that Smith preferred to stay in the U.S. or explore a potential NFL career. However, the decision to embrace the EuroLeague shows Smith’s determination to revive his professional basketball journey.

Real Madrid views Smith as a dynamic addition to their backcourt. With Facundo Campazzo already a crucial part of the squad, Smith is expected to provide depth, scoring, and defensive presence. His skill set is seen as complementary to Campazzo’s playmaking, allowing the team to strengthen its position in the EuroLeague standings.

The signing also gives Real Madrid an added boost of physicality and athleticism, areas the team has sought to improve. As the club continues its pursuit of higher standings, Smith’s presence could be pivotal for the team’s success.

This move marks the end of Smith’s seven-season NBA career, but it also opens the door to a new chapter in the EuroLeague. Real Madrid’s ambitious move for Smith is seen as a step toward greater competitiveness in the European basketball scene.

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