Why the Detroit Pistons should look into Dennis Smith Jr.

The Detroit Pistons are struggling at point guard this season. Would it be worth negotiating a trade for Dennis Smith Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks?

One of the biggest problems this season for the Detroit Pistons has been their play at the point guard position.

Right now, they’re without Ish Smith because of a groin injury. That’s really been detrimental to their second unit that was finding it’s groove before the backup point guard went down with an injury.

He’s expected to be out until some time in January.

Reggie Jackson hasn’t been what the Pistons need at point guard. He’s struggled on both ends of the floor this season.

Jose Calderon hasn’t been the answer when he’s been given more time to play in the absence of Smith. He’s playing like a 37-year old point guard. Someone who shouldn’t be relied on for big minutes in games.

This team needs help at a position that has become so critical in this league.

There have been many reports that have surfaced over the last few days about the Dallas Mavericks looking to part ways with Dennis Smith Jr.

This has a lot to do with how good Luka Doncic has been in his rookie campaign for the Mavs. It’s understandable that this franchise would rather build around him than Dennis Smith Jr.

I believe that if Dallas is looking to move Smith, the Pistons should at least look into it.

Why?

First off, he’s still young and possesses a lot of raw talent.

The 21-year old has his athleticism is on full display when he’s on the court. I think everyone knows he can jump out of the gym from all of his dunk videos.

He moves well in transition. Smith isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the action and get rebounds when needed. He can also move the ball around.

Smith has improved his shooting as well. During his rookie campaign, he shot 39 percent from the field and 31 percent from deep. This season, he’s shooting nearly 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range.

There are a couple question marks with Smith of course. The biggest has to be his health.

Right now, he has a wrist injury that has kept him out of the lineup for the past two weeks. Last season he missed 13 games because of injuries.

The other question mark has to do with why the Mavericks want to move him. This from a report at Sporting News:

"There’s “skepticism” around the league that Smith, who has been out since Dec. 13 with a wrist injury, will be able to develop into an off-the-ball threat playing next to Doncic."

That could be a cause for concern with the Pistons as well. Detroit runs their offense through Blake Griffin and he handles the ball much more than the point guard on the floor.

However, I think he’s at least worth looking into. Smith has been much more efficient shooting the basketball this season than any of the other point guards that the Pistons have.

The Detroit Pistons need help at point guard and Dennis Smith Jr. could help this team.