Fans Surprised That Former NBA 1st-Round Pick Is Still A Free Agent

Dennis Smith Jr., who was the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, is still a free agent.

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dennis Smith, Jr. (NC State) is introduced as the number nine overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Dennis Smith Jr. has played seven seasons in the NBA.

His most recent stop came with the Brooklyn Nets last year.

The former NC State star averaged 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 43.5% from the field and 29.4% from the three-point range in 56 games.

Dec 22, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) brings the ball up court against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Smith Jr. is currently a free agent who is available to sign with any team in the NBA.

Many fans over the last few months have mentioned the 26-year-old's availability.

@cre8tivegent on November 7: "Dennis Smith Jr not being on a NBA team is crazy. Can score and top perimeter defense in the league."

Dennis Smith Jr not being on a NBA team is crazy. Can score and top perimeter defense in the league.

— Josh - The Creative Gentleman (@cre8tivegent) November 7, 2024

@therealtonef on November 15: "The NBA is brutal bro. Dennis Smith Jr and Davonte Graham not being in the league is insane to me. INSANE."

The NBA is brutal bro. Dennis Smith Jr and Davonte Graham not being in the league is insane to me. INSANE.

— AMF (@therealtonef) November 15, 2024

@seboki88 on November 12: "What happened to Dennis Smith Jr. ??? #nba"

What happened to Dennis Smith Jr. ??? #nba

— Agartha Warrior (@seboki88) November 12, 2024

@DribbLeLiKeMiKe on November 13: "Still think Pels should've looked at Dennis Smith Jr over Nowell, but that's just me 🤷🏿‍♂️. You get a point guards AND a solid POA defender."

Still think Pels should've looked at Dennis Smith Jr over Nowell, but that's just me 🤷🏿‍♂️. You get a point guards AND a solid POA defender.

— Silky M. (@DribbLeLiKeMiKe) November 14, 2024

@fitzmagic13 on November 14: "Dennis Smith Jr is a way better fit with this Mavs team than Dinwiddie is."

Dennis Smith Jr is a way better fit with this Mavs team than Dinwiddie is.

— Fitzmagic13 (@fitzmagic13) November 15, 2024

@cozyfades on November 7: "Dennis Smith Jr is not on an NBA roster"

Dennis Smith Jr is not on an NBA roster https://t.co/dmmExEOiZJ

— 🤠🖕🏾 (@cozyfades) November 8, 2024

@huyquotemebui on November 7: "Lakers should be looking at Lonnie and Dennis Smith Jr cause those dudes are way better than our role players right now…"

Lakers should be looking at Lonnie and Dennis Smith Jr cause those dudes are way better than our role players right now…

— Asnawi (@huyquotemebui) November 7, 2024

Smith Jr. was the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

He has also spent time with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets.