Will Dennis Smith Jr. Make an NBA Comeback? His Journey and Future Prospects

Watching RR Pogoy’s explosive start in Game Two for TNT only to sit out later, I couldn’t help but think about other players whose careers have taken sharp turns—players like Dennis Smith Jr. Once a high-flying, can’t-miss NBA prospect, Smith now finds himself at a crossroads, and the question on many fans’ minds is: Will Dennis Smith Jr. make an NBA comeback? His journey so far has been a mix of electrifying highs and frustrating setbacks, and as someone who’s followed his career from his NC State days, I believe his story is far from over.

I remember watching Smith during his rookie year with the Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, showing flashes of the explosive athleticism that made him a lottery pick. But the NBA is a brutal league, and consistency is key—something Smith struggled with. After bouncing between the Knicks, Pistons, and Trail Blazers, he spent parts of the last two seasons fighting for rotation minutes, and at times, it felt like the league had moved on. Yet, when I see players like RR Pogoy in the Philippine Basketball Association—where Pogoy sat out after a hot start in Game Two, as noted in that Mark Cristino photo—it reminds me how quickly momentum can shift. Injuries, coaching changes, and fit issues can derail even the most promising careers, but they can also set the stage for a resilient return.

Smith’s challenges aren’t unique. He’s had to adapt his game, focusing more on defense and playmaking, and I’ve noticed his effort on that end has improved. Last season, in limited minutes, he posted a steal rate of around 2.5%—a solid number for a guard. But the real test will be whether a team gives him a consistent role. Think about it: Smith is only 26, an age where many guards hit their prime. If he can land with a squad that values his speed and defensive versatility, he could easily become a valuable bench piece. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of his fearlessness attacking the rim, and in today’s pace-and-space NBA, there’s still a place for guards who can break down defenses.

Looking at the broader landscape, we’ve seen similar comebacks. Players like Gerald Green and Shaun Livingston reinvented themselves and contributed to championship teams. Smith has the raw tools—his combine numbers were off the charts, with a 48-inch vertical leap that still ranks among the best ever. But raw talent alone isn’t enough. He needs the right system, a bit of luck, and maybe a mentor who believes in him. I spoke with a scout friend who thinks Smith could thrive in an up-tempo system like the Warriors or Nuggets, where his speed in transition would be an asset. "He’s got the physical gifts," my friend said, "but it’s about finding the right fit and staying healthy."

Of course, there are doubts. Smith’s shooting has been a persistent issue—he’s a career 31% from three-point range, which isn’t ideal in today’s game. And with younger guards entering the league each year, opportunities are scarce. But I’m optimistic. He showed glimpses last season, like that 10-assist game against the Celtics where he looked like a true floor general. If he can build on those moments and land a training camp invite, I wouldn’t bet against him.

In the end, the question of whether Dennis Smith Jr. will make an NBA comeback hinges on opportunity and adaptation. Just as RR Pogoy’s absence in that TNT game shifted dynamics, Smith’s next move could redefine his career. I, for one, hope to see him back on an NBA court, dunking on defenders and reminding everyone why he was once considered a future star. The journey isn’t over—it might just be entering its most compelling chapter.