NBA free agency 2022: What’s next for Fayetteville’s Dennis Smith Jr.?

The work hasn’t stopped for Dennis Smith Jr. 

NBA free agency opens Thursday evening and, after being waived by the Portland Trail Blazers in February, Smith continues to grind while he waits for a new team to give him a chance.

With five seasons in the league and stops in Dallas, Detroit, New York and Portland, the 27-year-old Fayetteville native hasn’t been deterred by adversity. 

“It’s been smooth. I’ve just been grinding,” Smith said of the offseason. “I keep my faith in God and keep my faith in the work. I’ve been out here working.” 

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In his career, Smith has averaged 10.7 points, 4.2 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. 

In February, Smith injured his right elbow and was waived by the Blazers. Several other injuries have plagued Smith in recent years, but he remains determined to find somewhere to showcase his skills. 

“You gotta work and keep your faith in the right stuff,” he said. “It’s God and the work for me, so that’s what keeps my head level. I believe in myself, too.” 

Despite inconsistent minutes in Portland, Smith showed flashes of the ability that helped him become a lottery pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. 

He played 30-plus minutes in four games as a starter when Damian Lillard was injured. In those games, Smith averaged 15.8 points, 6.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He knocked down 54.3% of his shots. 

A star at Trinity Christian School before heading to N.C. State for one season, Smith was the ninth overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in 2017. He averaged 14.4 points in his first two seasons, but has played only 60 games over the last two, including 37 for Portland in 2021-22. 

Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver.com or @RoddBaxley on Twitter.