Dennis Smith Jr. – Top Landing Spot: Los Angeles Clippers
The Trail Blazers waived Dennis Smith Jr. on Monday in order to not only sign Trendon Watford for the rest of the season but in order to sign Drew Eubanks and Brandon Williams to 10-day contracts.
This season, Dennis Smith Jr. has actually played well, which is why it was surprising to see Portland let him go.
In 37 games with the Blazers, Smith Jr. had averaged 5.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and had shot 41.8% from the floor. Still being an above-average athlete, as well as showing the ability to create for others, Dennis Smith Jr. was counted on off the bench in Portland to give them production when Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons were not in the lineup.
Still just 24-years-old, Dennis Smith Jr. is young enough to still carve out a role in this league, but the Blazers were his fourth team since being drafted 9th overall in 2017.
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Not many chances exist for the young point guard to work his way back into this league, but the Clippers do have a need for another guard this season, especially after not adding one at the trade deadline.
Reggie Jackson is the only point guard on this Clippers roster right now and should he get hurt, they would be left very thin in their backcourt since Norman Powell is out indefinitely with a foot injury.
Dennis Smith Jr. is not the difference in the Clippers finding success this season, but he is a young, athletic guard that they could potentially find success with as a back-up option moving forward. At this point, Los Angeles has nothing to lose and they could open up a roster spot by waiving either Rodney Hood or Semi Ojeleye.