Should Dennis Smith Jr shut it down?

This is a completely serious question.

During the recent college football season, a few star college football players decided to skip playing in bowl games to protect their draft status. Certainly a devastating injury in your final college game could severely hurt those players that have solidifed their draft status. While other players still needing to play their way higher in the draft might see the bowl game as yet another opportunity to improve their draft stock. Leonard Fournette of LSU and Christian McCaffrey of Standford both decided to sit out their team’s respective bowl games. Both players are projected to go in the early rounds of the draft(1st), so why bother risking that status by playing 1 more meaningless bowl game…especially since both play running back which puts them at a higher risk of serious injury than some of the other positions on the field?

With Fournette, he now claims it wasn’t his decision. That’s right, he now claims that it was his coach who would not allow him to play because he had a lot on the line.

Which brings me to the amazing Dennis Smith Jr and the NC State basketball season that without a miraculous turnaround will end without an NCAA tournament appearance for the 2nd straight season. I have watched a lot of ACC basketball in my life. I can remember games and players going back to the late 1970s. Honestly, I can’t remember many players at any position as talented as DSJ. As far as point guards, there were Kenny Anderson, Steve Francis Jr, Jason(now Jay) Williams, and Chris Paul that I remember as some of the best. There have been a lot of others, but I am trying to focus on guys who projected as NBA all-star type of players. “Can’t miss” guys. Guys who had the athleticism, skills, range on their shot, and size that made them almost sure things at the next level.

How does DSJ compare to those guys? Obviously, he fits right into that group and in some ways may actually be the best overall combination of athleticism, size and basketball skills that has ever come out of ACC at the point guard position. He has handles, quickness, range on his shot, vision, a feel for the game, etc…In terms of explosiveness he is simply off the charts. He is projected as a top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA draft. He has nothing left to prove. There isn’t a snowball’s chance in Hell he is coming back for 1 more season. Why would he? He would have almost nothing to gain and everything to lose. We all have known he was a “1 and done” player coming in and he has even surpassed my wildest expectations. His talent and potential are so great that nobody should even allow him to return to NC State for a 2nd season even if he wanted to. He is a special talent that has to move on to the NBA.

So that brings me back to the question should Mark Gottfried, Dennis Smith, Jr or some other person involved in his future start seriously considering shutting him down for the rest of the year? If we were talking about a center that mostly plays with his feet on the floor and rarely attacks the rim at full speed in a game, then there is less risk of injury. But Dennis Smith Jr plays the game like no other point guard I have ever seen in the ACC. In the Miami game, when he got stuck with his dribble and threw it off the backboard to himself and almost pulled it off for a slam my jaw dropped. It would have been one of the most amazing plays I have ever seen in an ACC game. It was simply ridiculous and I have no doubt he will do that in his career in the future. Remember the dunk againt Duke? Or the many other dunks and finishes at the rim that he has pulled off this year displaying once in a generation athleticism and explosiveness? It is scary at times. So scary that it would be devastating to see him suffer a major injury at State in a season that seems already lost.

Obviously, we all know DSJ has suffered one ACL injury last year. We all know he has discussed several times this year that he feels he isn’t 100% yet. So with a season likely headed towards missing the NCAAs and maybe even missing the NIT, at what point as the losses mount do you have to protect Dennis Smith Jr’s future and sit him for the rest of the season? DSJ trusted Mark Gottfried with positioning him for the NBA draft. Does Mark Gottfried owe it to DSJ to protect him once the season reaches the point of no return(already has in my opinion) like Leonard Fournette’s head coach at LSU? There may even be benefits to the program as it would give Markell Johnson more minutes at PG as he is obviously DSJ’s replacement for next season. Not only for Johnson, but it would have a trickle down effect because there would be more opportunity for all of the other players on the roster to develop as well. Also, with 8 games remaining it gives Gottfried an excuse to return for year 7 in case of a total collapse down the stretch. Maybe sitting DSJ actually helps Gottfried keep his job and then return to the NCAA’s next season as his seat will be scorching hot in year 7.

What would you do if you were Gottfried or DSJ?

16-17 Basketball Basketball Recruiting College Basketball General Mark Gottfried NC State NCS Basketball

Home Forums Should Dennis Smith Jr shut it down?

Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 46 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • #116609
    Daily Update
    Keymaster

    This is a completely serious question. During the recent college football season, a few star college football players decided to skip playing in bowl
    [See the full post at: Should Dennis Smith Jr shut it down?]

    #116611
    BJD95
    Keymaster

    No, because there are still things he can and should work on (defense). Plus, he has yet to test himself in a tournament, and he should do that at least once.

    But he should not play in the NIT if by some miracle we fight our way to that sad bubble.

    #116613
    Packzingo
    Participant

    He’s a great player and will develop into an even greater player, just not at State. And meaning no disrespect, I think the topic alone sheds lite on some of the issues we are having. He’s trying to carry the biggest load and others are sitting back watching. But NO, he shouldn’t shut it down in my opinion.

    #116614
    BassPacker
    Participant

    Just the thought having that happen must less even suggesting that happen really pisses me off. So DSJ should just say the “hell with it, its not worth it”? I will say this, let it happen and me along with every LTR seat holder who is already fed up with whats going on with NC State Athletics will top any Anti-Trump protest. Bad enough that all have signed a contract to support (pay) with priviledge of a seat to watch this disaster implode with little recourse but give up what we already paid. SMH !!!

    #116615
    Daily Update
    Keymaster

    DSJ isn’t just any player. He is a unique talent. It wouldn’t bother me if he didn’t want to play or if someone thought it was in his best interest. He has given everything he has this season. His future as a basketball player is much more important than what we get to watch as State fans. We were lucky to see him play here at all. With the season all but over, there will be a point where it just isn’t worth playing him anymore.

    #116618
    ncsu1987
    Participant

    Really, really torn on this question, but here’s where I end up: In today’s environment, this is absolutely a question that Dennis and his advisors should consider. If I were advising the young man, here’s what I would say:

    1) He literally has nothing to prove on explosiveness, athleticism, attacking the rim, and distributing the ball
    2) Dial back on the aggressiveness on offense in order to:
    3) Use the rest of the season to showcase his versatility shooting; his 3 point accuracy comes and goes, and his FT shooting is, at times, atrocious for a PG.
    4) Use the rest of the season to showcase defense (although I understand that’s difficult to do under his current leadership)

    I wouldn’t say shut it down right now, b/c he can yet improve his draft positioning, IMO. But I would absolutely be telling him to dial it back.

    As the OP said, we knew from the start he was one-and-done. Anybody telling him to come back another year is an absolute fool – for more than one reason. He’s given a lot to NC State this year, and I feel fortunate to have seen him play in the red and white. But when I see no hope for the season for any meaningful results, it’s time for him to think of his future.

    #116627
    freshmanin83
    Participant

    I guess it would depend on what kind of character he has and what message he wants to send to future teammates.

    #116630
    JohnGalt78
    Participant

    He is THE ONLY reason I bother to watch a Wolfpack men’s B ball game.

    #116633
    TheCOWDOG
    Moderator

    First, good to see you again DU.

    Now…I’m not at all that sure using Fournette and McCaffrey as an analogy to Smith, is apples to apples.

    Those guys, and the other handful of players that sat out bowl games, played out their championship runs. Meaning, they went balls to the wall for the entirety of the season, respecting their teammies, coaches and the folks that paid for them to be there, in the first place, to try and capture a championship.

    In Smith’s case, no matter the ridiculous proposition of a championship, his regular season ain’t over until…well…well…it’s over. So, no. Absolutely not.

    Truth? I highly doubt it’s even entered his mind…Unless he just read us.

    #116634
    Ttown Wolfman
    Participant

    Another question: Why don’t we see DSJ’s parents, grandparents, uncle or whoever in the stands during games. We see this all the time with other great stars. I watch almost all the games but I don’t recall seeing the camera go to his support in the stands.

    #116635
    bill.onthebeach
    Participant

    a couple of things…

    1. To play at the top levels of the NBA… Mr. Smith needs to learn how to play some defense…
    2. To play at the top levels of the NBA… Mr. Smith needs to learn when to distribute and when to dominate…

    3. Mr. Smith is a baller… which is to say… put the ball in his hands and he only knows one speed.. he doesn’t really know how to dial it back, even if, told to so… yet…

    4. There’s a 50%/50% chance such a move would be perceived in some negative way by some, not all, NBA guys… it’s just those would be the ones with the best teams in the best cities, with the most money to spend…

    RE: whoever said earlier that no players had ‘improved’ while at State and the obvious list correcting that inane comment that ensued with Anthony Barbour at the top of that list…

    I mention that only to say… Anthony’s the closest ‘apples to apples’ to Mr. Smith and that it took Anthony THREE YEARS to become 1st All Conference in a year that the Conference was loaded with top shelf Point Guards…. see #1 & #2 and #3 above…

    Now all that said… Mr. Smith can learn what he needs to learn in the Development League or sitting on the Bench somewhere else just as easily as in Rawlee…

    All of which means nothing more than… this is a highly “theoretical” topic…

    To put that another way… there’s a better chance that GOTT doesn’t finish the season than Mr. Smith.

    #NCSU-North Carolina's #1 FOOTBALL school!
    #116636
    Adventuroo
    Participant

    You know, this thread reminds me of what happened across the Orange County Border when the Team got “irritated” at MD and then they went to Dickie (Mr. Cool Tassel Loafers) Baddour and he immediately took them (supposedly in a limo) to the Chancelors office.

    They discussed options and the rest is history. I wonder if I was a Pro Scout or a Pro Team Coach if I would want an individual that decided “HIS CAREER” was greater than that of the team. There have been some amazing games where teams have come back from seemingly unbelievable pitfalls (OK, not us….but you can find the clips of OTHER teams on YouTube). Had one or two of their “Stars” said….We are down so much, we ain’t gonna come back and if I go out and try to do things that I am NOT capable of, I might hurt myself and lessen the value ($$) of my franchise.

    I certainly don’t besmirch others opinions….but if you look at the Pepperdine game in 1983, that is a prime example of playing it with every last breath and emotional energy.

    I certainly do respect CD’s opinions and his insight…..but if you decided….”we ain’t gonna win….why bother”, then if you misjudge that, it turns into a free for all. I obviously am talking about games where there is a minimal chance to win. I have never seen a Roy or Mikey coach team that was getting beat let up. They use that to “experiment” and try to improve their last few minute strategy.

    If DJS does do this, then it almost to me, is like Point Shaving….or taking a dive in a boxing match. BUT, Others with high ethical bars might see it differently and I am NOT going to trash them….just stating MY opinion….

    #116639
    TheAliasTroll
    Participant

    Well.. he’s light years behind Lorenzo Brown so this is a bit ridiculous…………

    Just kidding.

    It ain’t gonna happen, but to answer the question of *SHOULD* he is interesting. Even though chance of some kind of career ending injury in basketball compared to football is much less it COULD happen. I think Dennis is an 18 year old kid who likes playing the game way too much though and therefore it WON’T happen.

    #116641
    McCallum
    Participant

    Pack it up, pack it in.

    The guy has some serious money to make and if planned properly he can change the future of his family for multiple generations.

    Wasting it on the lover boy ain’t worth it.

    McCallum

    #116642
    TheAliasTroll
    Participant

    Now all that said… Mr. Smith can learn what he needs to learn in the Development League or sitting on the Bench somewhere else just as easily as in Rawlee…

    Come on, Bill. Mr. Smith won’t sniff the Development League. He’s an NBA starter right now.

    #116644
    TheAliasTroll
    Participant

    There have been some amazing games where teams have come back from seemingly unbelievable pitfalls

    See 2011 UConn Huskies. Went 9-9 in the Big East. As #9 seed they won 5 straight in their conference tournament (didn’t earn any BYEs) to get them off the bubble. Then went on to win 6 straight to win the NCAA tournament.

    Anything can happen. See Patriots last night.

    Dennis will play.

    #116645
    BJD95
    Keymaster

    It really IS an interesting theoretical discussion, though. If it was MY kid, I’m sure it would cross my mind, at least a little bit.

    #116646
    choppack1
    Participant

    2nd and 3rd Running back in football in football skipping a “technically” meaningless bowl game is an entirely different deal than a college basketball 1 year guy coming off a knee injury.

    He needs to show NBA execs he can hold up under the demands of an 82 game schedule. As cow rightly indicates, all championships are still pending.

    #116648
    bill.onthebeach
    Participant

    Come on, Bill. Mr. Smith won’t sniff the Development League. He’s an NBA starter right now.

    In CLT, maybe…

    Not NY, Boston, Chicago or LA…

    see #4 above… the “baller thing”…

    Ballers and want to be GOAT know one thing… to be BEST, you got to play with and against the BEST, on and off the court….

    #NCSU-North Carolina's #1 FOOTBALL school!
    #116650
    TheAliasTroll
    Participant

    TheAliasTroll wrote:

    Come on, Bill. Mr. Smith won’t sniff the Development League. He’s an NBA starter right now.

    In CLT, maybe…

    Not NY, Boston, Chicago or LA…

    Mock drafts have him around #4 or #5. The team that picks him up won’t be bringing him in to learn in the NBDL.

    He won’t be on the board long enough for NY, Boston, Chicago, or LA (assuming your talking about the Clippers and not the Lake Show) to even be in contention.

    #116652
    bill.onthebeach
    Participant

    yeah… that’s the obvious… but IF the BIG BOYS want you, they know how to get you…
    Money Talks.

    #NCSU-North Carolina's #1 FOOTBALL school!
    #116654
    Wulfpack
    Participant

    No.

    #116655
    Daniel_Simpson_Day
    Participant

    If you commit to play, you gotta play the season out. I wouldn’t be offended if he sat out the NIT.
    Philly would be a good place for him to land. If he can run the pick and roll they have a lot of athletic and big assets for him to develop with.

    #116666
    graywolf
    Participant

    His decision either way would have no impact on the outcome of any game we play from this point on. I have no confidence that we will win again this season. I have turned my basketball attention to the wolfpack women’s team and greatly enjoy watching them play.

    #116667
    rthomas44
    Participant

    Sarcasm and BS is all that is on this thread. Smith will continue to start and play with heart. Quitting on the team is not his style.

Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 46 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.