Veteran guard Dennis Smith Jr. is returning to the Dallas Mavericks on a one-year agreement, but league insider Marc Stein reports the contract is expected to be for training camp only. With 14 players already holding fully guaranteed deals, Smith faces long odds of claiming the final spot on the 15-man roster.
According to Stein, Dallas’ main incentive in bringing back its 2017 No. 9 overall pick is to secure his G League rights, positioning the 26-year-old to join the Texas Legends if he does not make the NBA squad. Smith did not play in the league last season.
In Memphis, Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. said his recovery from offseason turf toe surgery is “progressing the right way,” though his availability for opening night remains uncertain. “Every day has been a building block,” Jackson told Grind City Media’s Michael Wallace. “I’m doing what I need to do … I think everybody is going to be happy.”
The San Antonio City Council is scheduled to vote next week on a proposed arena for the Spurs that carries an estimated price tag between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion. Under the plan outlined by Spurs Talk, the city’s contribution could reach as much as $489 million.
Meanwhile, Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki offered a glowing assessment of Duke commit Cooper Flagg, calling the 17-year-old “the real deal” in an interview with The Athletic’s Christian Clark. “Sky is the limit, honestly,” Nowitzki said, praising Flagg’s court vision, athleticism and reported work ethic.
Source: Hoops Rumors
