Dennis Smith Jr. waived by Wisconsin Herd

Jan 19, 2026 9:53 AM

Former NBA lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr. has been waived by the Wisconsin Herd. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Smith is now looking for a new opportunity elsewhere in the league.

Point guard Dennis Smith Jr. — former lottery pick — has been waived by G-League’s Wisconsin Herd and is looking to get picked up elsewhere in the league, league sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/KHDfREkN3U
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 18, 2026

Smith appeared in six games for the Herd this season, averaging 10 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per contest. He shot 43.6% from the field and 29.4% from three-point range.

The veteran guard joined Wisconsin after a brief stint overseas with Real Madrid, where he played in both Liga ACB and the EuroLeague.

His return to the Herd in November 2025 followed his release from the Dallas Mavericks, giving him a chance to compete for NBA re-entry minutes under head coach Beno Udrih.

Smith’s NBA résumé spans seven seasons, including stops with the Mavericks, Knicks, Pistons, Trail Blazers, Hornets, and Nets. He earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors with Dallas after averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists in his debut season. His most recent NBA season in 2023–24 saw him average 6.6 points and 3.6 assists.