The 2017 NBA Draft was an important event for the National Basketball Association (NBA) as it marked the start of a new season. The event was held on June 22, 2017 and included the selection of 60 players from U.S. colleges and international teams. Amidst the highly anticipated selections, the 9th pick was an important one as it determined who would go to the team with the ninth pick. This article will explore the details of this selection and provide an overview of the player who was chosen.
Background of the 2017 NBA Draft
The 2017 NBA Draft was held on June 22, 2017 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It was the first time in NBA history that the draft was held outside of the United States. The draft was broadcast live on ESPN and was the 82nd annual draft. The draft was also the first time in NBA history that it was held without a lottery system.
The draft began with the first selection by the Philadelphia 76ers, Markelle Fultz. The second overall pick was Lonzo Ball, who was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. The remaining picks were determined by a combination of luck, scouting, and team needs.
The 9th Pick in the 2017 NBA Draft
The ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was Dennis Smith Jr., a point guard from North Carolina State University. Smith was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, who had the ninth pick in the draft. Smith was a highly touted player due to his impressive stats and physical skills.
Smith was a highly sought-after player leading up to the draft and was expected to go in the top 10. He was the first point guard to be drafted in the 2017 NBA Draft and was the highest drafted player from North Carolina State since Tom Gugliotta in 1992.
Dennis Smith Jr.’s Career Before the 2017 NBA Draft
Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith had an impressive college career. He played two seasons at North Carolina State, where he averaged 18.1 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Smith was named to the All-ACC First Team in 2017, and was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2016.
Smith was also a standout high school player. He was rated the top point guard in the nation by ESPN and was ranked the fifth-best player overall. Smith was a McDonald’s All-American in 2016 and was the Gatorade Player of the Year in North Carolina.
Dennis Smith Jr.’s Professional Career
Since being drafted by the Mavericks, Smith has had an impressive professional career. In his rookie season, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Smith was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2018 and was the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award.
In 2019, Smith was named to the NBA All-Star Team and was the first Mavericks player to be named an All-Star since Vince Carter in 2013. He has averaged 17.7 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game in his career.
Dennis Smith Jr.’s Impact on the Mavericks
Since being drafted by the Mavericks in 2017, Smith has had a significant impact on the team. He has helped the Mavericks reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2015. Smith has also been a key contributor to the team’s success, averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game in his career.
Smith has also been a leader on the team, helping to bring together a young, talented roster. He has been an important part of the team’s culture and has been an example for the team’s younger players.
Conclusion
The 2017 NBA Draft was an important event for the NBA and the Dallas Mavericks. The ninth pick in the draft was an important one as it determined who would be joining the Mavericks. With the ninth pick, the Mavericks selected Dennis Smith Jr., a point guard from North Carolina State University.
Smith has had an impressive professional career since being drafted. He was named to the All-Rookie Second Team in 2018 and was named an All-Star in 2019. Smith has also been a leader for the Mavericks and has been instrumental in their back-to-back playoff appearances.
The ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was an important one and it was clear that the Mavericks made the right choice when they selected Dennis Smith Jr.
FAQs about the 2017 NBA Draft
Who was the first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft?
The first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was Markelle Fultz, a guard from the University of Washington. Fultz was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Who was the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft?
The second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was Lonzo Ball, a guard from UCLA. Ball was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Who was the highest drafted player from North Carolina State in the 2017 NBA Draft?
The highest drafted player from North Carolina State in the 2017 NBA Draft was Dennis Smith Jr., who was selected with the ninth pick by the Dallas Mavericks.
How many players were selected in the 2017 NBA Draft?
A total of 60 players were selected in the 2017 NBA Draft.
What was the first time in NBA history that the draft was held outside of the United States?
The first time in NBA history that the draft was held outside of the United States was in 2017. The draft was held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Which team had the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft?
The Dallas Mavericks had the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Who was the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft?
The ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft was Dennis Smith Jr., a point guard from North Carolina State University. Smith was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks.
What awards has Dennis Smith Jr. won?
Dennis Smith Jr. has won several awards, including the All-ACC First Team in 2017, ACC Rookie of the Year in 2016, and NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2018. He was also runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award in 2018 and was named to the NBA All-Star Team in 2019.
What impact has Dennis Smith Jr. had on the Dallas Mavericks?
Since being drafted by the Mavericks in 2017, Dennis Smith Jr. has had a significant impact on the team. He has helped the Mavericks reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2015 and has been a key contributor to the team’s success. Smith has also been a leader on the team, helping to bring together a young, talented roster.