Dennis Smith Jr . had his minutes cut down when Kevin Ollie got promoted to the interim head coach role. It’s understandable if DSJ would be frustrated because he was getting consistent minutes.
It changed again with the injuries to Cameron Thomas and Ben Simmons, which opened up more minutes for DSJ. Against the Atlanta Hawks, Smith Jr. played 21 minutes and had a good game, scoring 10 points and dishing out five assists.
“I really want to give some kudos, some praise to Dennis Smith Jr. It's been kind of tough for him the last couple of games; he came in and spelled Dennis because Dennis, you know, been playing a lot of minutes, and he just did a great job down the stretch leading our team, talking, and being a great point guard,” Coach Ollie said unprompted after the win against the Hawks.
“Getting back to what we know Dennis Smith Jr. can do. And that's defense, and that's getting out on the break, running our team.”
DSJ brings solid value to the team
It’s easy to see why Ollie loves having DSJ on the team because he brings a gritty playstyle to the Nets. He is an elite defender who can lock down anyone matched up against him. At the same time, Smith has continued to grow as a playmaker, as he understands how to be a floor general and maximize everyone’s talents.
Aside from his on-court production, Dennis is a positive figure in the locker room. Brooklyn’s players rely on Dennis to provide the team with energy that can take them over the edge and help them win games.
DSJ deserves the props he’s being given
In the seven seasons Smith Jr. has been in the league, he has constantly been the most underrated player. He provides value as a playmaker and defender, which goes unnoticed by both teams and fans.
Coach Ollie giving him props is a great way to keep motivating Dennis because he deserves to be appreciated and not overlooked. With this positive approach to DSJ, coach Ollie is motivating the former NC State guard and giving him his well-deserved flowers.
Brooklyn needs every bit of motivation for the rest of the season during this race to propel the team to the postseason spots.
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