Mavericks PG Smith to return on Tuesday


Reuters | Updated: 21-01-2019 06:29 IST | Created: 21-01-2019 06:29 IST
Mavericks PG Smith to return on Tuesday

Dallas point guard Dennis Smith Jr. will rejoin the Mavericks for Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, coach Rick Carlisle said Sunday. Carlisle said he had a conversation with Smith -- who reportedly is seeking to be traded -- and that he requested that the players welcome the 21-year-old back with open arms.

"I am excited to announce Dennis Smith Jr. will rejoin the team on Tuesday," Carlisle said in a statement on Sunday. "Dennis and I spoke at length today. He is feeling better and plans to resume workouts in preparation for his return. There will be no further updates until Tuesday." Smith will miss his sixth straight game on Monday due to the situation. The first three were attributed to back soreness and the fourth was due to Smith's agent calling in sick for him.

On Friday, Carlisle announced that Smith would miss the two-game road trip to Indiana on Saturday and Milwaukee on Monday. Multiple reports claim Smith is upset that his role is different this season with rookie star Luka Doncic evolving as the leader of the offense.

There have also been reports of heavy friction between Carlisle and Smith, while The Dallas Morning News reported that Smith craves a fresh start with a new team. Carlisle hinted on his weekly radio show that it wasn't all on Smith per the dispute with the Mavericks.

"This is just my feeling, is that he's being told to stay away for whatever reason," Carlisle said on Dallas station FM 103.3. "I just don't want people out there to think he is snubbing the Mavs or anything like that. This is just my opinion, I believe there's business stuff going on, and he's being told to stay away." Smith is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds this season. As a rookie, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds.

The Mavericks selected Smith with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He played one season at North Carolina State. --Field Level Media

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Give Feedback