Dallas Basketball Coach’s Corner: Dennis or Dinwiddie? - Scouting Mavs’ FA Targets
The Dallas Mavericks are evaluating their options to bolster their roster, focusing on at least two intriguing candidates: Spencer Dinwiddie and Dennis Smith Jr. Both guards offer distinct skill sets that could address the team's needs in different ways.
Dinwiddie, known for his scoring and playmaking, brings a proven track record and compatibility with Luka Dončić. Conversely, Smith Jr.'s athleticism and defensive abilities provide a unique dynamic, though his offensive inconsistency remains a concern. A potential decision between signing one of the two guards would hinge on which player's strengths align better with the Mavericks' goals and style of play.
Spencer Dinwiddie has built a reputation as a versatile scorer and playmaker. During his tenure with the Mavericks, he averaged 17.1 points per game and shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range. This proficiency extended into his time with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, where he maintained a solid three-point shooting percentage of 38.9 percent.
Dinwiddie’s strengths lie in his offensive versatility and shooting ability. His career average of 6.3 assists per game highlights his playmaking skills, making him a dual threat on the court. His ability to play both guard positions allows him to adapt to various offensive schemes, providing valuable flexibility to any team’s backcourt.
Dennis Smith Jr. started his NBA career with the Mavericks, showing significant promise in his rookie season with averages of 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game. Despite his initial success, Smith’s career has seen inconsistency and frequent team changes, including stints with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets before landing with the Brooklyn Nets.
Last season with the Nets, Smith averaged 9.7 points and 4.2 assists per game, displaying flashes of his potential. Known for his athleticism and defensive capabilities, Smith excels in driving to the basket and creating plays, especially in transition. His defensive rating of 106.3 with the Nets illustrates his ability to impact the game on the defensive end.
Of these two guards, Dinwiddie’s offensive versatility and reliable shooting make him a more consistent scorer. His career 3-point shooting percentage of 33.9 percent, with a peak of 40.4 percent during his Mavericks tenure, underscores his ability to stretch the floor and complement primary ball-handlers like Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
In contrast, Smith’s offensive game relies more on his ability to penetrate defenses and create plays off the dribble. However, his career 3-point shooting percentage of 31.6 percent reflects his inconsistency from beyond the arc, which can be a limiting factor in today’s perimeter-oriented game.
Defensively, Dinwiddie is solid with his 6-5 frame, but not spectacular. His career defensive rating of 112 indicates that while he can hold his own, his primary value remains on the offensive end. Conversely, Smith’s athleticism and defensive awareness make him a more impactful defender, and his ability to guard multiple positions highlights his potential to be a defensive asset for the Mavericks.
Given the Mavericks’ reliance on spacing and ball movement, Dinwiddie’s previous success with the team and his ability to integrate seamlessly into their offensive system make him a more fitting choice. His scoring, playmaking, and shooting are crucial for a team that emphasizes these aspects.
Smith’s defensive prowess and athleticism offer a different dimension, as he would potentially thriving in a role that emphasizes transition play and lockdown defensive assignments. However, his offensive inconsistencies, particularly his 3-point shooting, present concerns regarding his overall fit within the Mavericks’ system.
While both players bring valuable skills to the table, Dinwiddie appears to be the better fit for the Mavericks’ current roster needs. His proven scoring ability, compatibility with the Mavs’ backcourt, and overall versatility make him a more reliable choice for a team trying to make it back to the NBA Finals.
