The Philadelphia 76ers may be willing to take a flier on a former top-10 pick in the NBA Draft. Even if that means he hasn't played in the NBA in more than a year.
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey reported on June 5 the 76ers hosted guard Dennis Smith Jr. for a workout.
Smith participated in the team's two-day veteran minicamp. As part of the minicamp, the 76ers had several veterans at their facility in early June. But as the ex-No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith was the most notable.
The Dallas Mavericks drafted Smith at No. 9 in 2017. Smith made $17.19 million over his four-year rookie contract with the Mavericks.
Smith last appeared in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2023-24 season.
Philadelphia 76ers host Dennis Smith Jr. for workout
Former No. 9 overall pick Dennis Smith Jr.
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Mavericks traded Smith to the New York Knicks less than two years into his rookie deal. Over his seven-year NBA career, Smith has also spent time with the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets in addition to the Mavericks, Knicks and Nets.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Smith averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game in 56 contests with Brooklyn.
On Dec. 20, 2024, Smith signed a contract to join the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G-League. However, he never appeared in a game for the Herd, and then went overseas to play in Spain beginning in January.
Smith spent about one month with Real Madrid.
Smith became the No. 9 overall pick in 2017 after one tremendous season with the NC State Wolfpack during 2016-17. In 32 games for NC State, he averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds per contest.
As a freshman that season, Smith led the ACC in assists per game.
In 326 career NBA games, Smith has posted 9.7 points, 4.2 assists and 3 rebounds per contest.