The NBA player who wants to recover Dennis Smith Jr. after being released from Real Madrid

Dennis Smith Jr. wants to return to the NBA. According to the reputable and experienced journalist Chris Haynes, the 27-year-old player left Real Madrid after just one month with the Spanish club to join a team in the best basketball league in the world.

Smith Jr. spent seven seasons with six teams in the NBA between 2017 and 2024. However, the 2017 9th overall Draft pick did not generate interest this summer after playing the 2023-24 season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He recorded three double-doubles, shooting 43.5% from the field, 29.4% from 3-point range, and 74.1% from the free-throw line with the Nets.

Smith entered the G-League player pool in December seeking to join the Austin Spurs, as reported by Sam Amico of Hoops Wire. However, the Milwaukee Bucks thwarted those plans as their G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, acquired the services of this guard. Smith never played a game for the Herd, opting to sign a late-season contract with Real Madrid.

Smith signed with Real Madrid in mid-January but appeared in only four games and struggled to adapt, as reported by Ramón Álvarez from Radio Marca. "Although the club was satisfied with his attitude, his physical condition was not up to par," Álvarez mentioned. "He played just two EuroLeague games and wasn't even listed in the team roster during the recent Spanish Copa del Rey tournament."

Smith scored 11 points on 4-of-13 shooting (30.8%) and 1-of-6 (16.6%) from the perimeter in a total of 36 minutes with Real Madrid. Additionally, he grabbed four rebounds, dished out three assists, and committed three turnovers. While it's concerning that Smith Jr. wasn't in prime form with Real, he remains a talented playmaker. Therefore, several teams should consider a player of his caliber down the stretch.

The athletic Smith is a high-volume scorer who is not a good shooter or elite ball-handler. Over the past two seasons, Smith has improved as a finisher and distributor. Defensively, Smith is tenacious and an elite on-ball defender. He also brings significant experience, with 326 NBA games under his belt. He holds career averages of 9.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 3 rebounds, shooting 40.7% from the field, 29.8% from 3-point range, and 67.4% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.2.

Teams have until March 4th or early next month to adjust their rosters for playoff contention, leaving ample time for Smith to secure a deal. Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Timberwolves have roster spots and make sense as potential destinations.

The Warriors have only 12 players on regular contracts as Kevin Knox and Yuri Collins recently signed 10-day contracts. The Cavaliers had two vacant spots a few days ago, but Shams Charania from ESPN reported that Javonte Green will join the Cavs after being bought out by New Orleans Pelicans. Michael Scotto from HoopsHype also mentioned that the Cavs would sign Na'Quan Tomlin to a 10-day contract as Dean Wade continues to deal with a knee injury, while Isaac Okoro is questionable.

With Green's signing, Cleveland's need to add a backup point guard is less urgent. However, Smith could still be a insurance policy, and Green can play positions one through four. Ty Jerome can also play the one, but they haven't had a true primary backup point guard since Ricky Rubio departed.

Minnesota is also a potential destination with Mike Conley struggling, although Donte DiVincenzo might return soon from his toe injury. The Wolves have an open roster spot. Depending on the statuses of Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle's injuries, they may opt to add another frontcourt player instead.

Boston isn't desperate to add another player after acquiring Torrey Craig, but Jrue Holiday has been dealing with recent injury concerns. If the Celtics have any future concerns with him, bringing Smith on board might be a consideration.

The Milwaukee Bucks Option

Then there's Milwaukee. The Milwaukee G-League franchise, owned and operated by Milwaukee, claimed Smith earlier this year, indicating some interest from the Bucks.

The Bucks (29-24) have struggled this year due to various injuries; Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo have missed a combined 21 games. Moreover, the Bucks backcourt finished the first half playing poorly and ranks in the bottom third of the league overall. They are 18th in backcourt scoring, 17th in assists, and eighth in allowing points to opposing backcourts.

Lillard has increased his production and efficiency compared to last season but, at 34 years old, he struggles on defense. Andre Jackson Jr. hasn't contributed much offensively and had some defensive issues in the previous two years, though he's been better this season, except on the perimeter.

Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green have played fairly well off the bench, but they are primarily spot-up shooters and offer little else. Neither is a strong defender. While Ryan Rollins has been solid, he is on a two-way deal. Pat Connaughton has struggled.

The Bucks recently acquired Kevin Porter Jr. to replace the traded Delon Wright as a backup point guard. Porter Jr. could potentially be the answer for the Bucks, as he is a better shooter and playmaker like Smith. Defensively, Porter Jr. isn't as tenacious but still performs adequately on the perimeter.

Nonetheless, it would be logical for Milwaukee to consider signing Smith. Porter Jr. can play multiple positions, and a decision might be needed on Rollins as he has already played 37 games (44 active) for the Bucks. Of course, Milwaukee might want to use that open spot to bolster frontcourt depth as Bobby Portis is suspended for 25 games due to a substance violation.

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