3 Questions to tip-off: Expert weighs in on OKC Thunder vs. Mavericks

TI Q3 – Dennis Smith Jr., the real deal

I’m not an advocate for red shirts being eligible for rookie of the year. From my perspective even sitting on the sidelines offers an advantage none of their peers have. Although I’m enjoying the Simmons-Embiid show, I can’t imagine any rookie usurping Simmons at year end barring injury.

Dennis Smith Jr. must have fans extremely excited about the future in Dallas. He’s already delivered some masterful performances.

So, if Simmons weren’t eligible do you think Smith would be battling Jayson Tatum for ROY? 

As a bit of a segue, some pundits have referred to Smith Jr. being comparable to Russell Westbrook. This must drive Mark Cuban ballistic given the owner’s slights toward Westbrook in the past. Do you see any similarities between the pair?

Rast opines on Dennis Smith Jr., Russ comparison and game prediction:

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

I am 100% on board with you on the rookie perspective. Ben Simmons is the obvious choice, but I believe rookie of the year should stay strictly by draft class. Dennis Smith Jr. should be in the conversation for ROY . But, with the way Simmons is playing, the conversation for ROY starts and ends with him. Mavs fans are ecstatic with what we have seen from DSJ so far. The expectation is for Smith to grow into an incredible player in the league.

2017 rookies in front of him are probably Jayson Tatum. Kyle Kuzma is right there with Dennis for second and third. There is still a lot of basketball to be played though.

The Russell Westbrook comparisons are interesting and there is some similarity there. As far as finishing ability, Junior definitely shows some of the stuff Westbrook can do. However, with time Westbrook has definitely perfected his trade. Dennis Smith has a chance to be a better shooter overall, but may never be the all-around monster Russ has proven to be. The best comparison to Dennis Smith’s style of play is early-Chicago Derrick Rose, but with a significantly better shooting stroke.

Finally, who wins the match tonight and by what margin?

Understandably the Thunder are favored with matchup nightmares all over. Recognizing there are  chemistry issues and Dallas  coming off of three straight games of excellent play factors. But, Dallas haven’t faced a team with this much diversity of talent since the Warriors. Therefore OKC Thunder take it home, but if Dallas keeps it closer than the matchup earlier this month.

Next: OKC Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks pregame analysis

To get you further prepared for the game check out our full game day preview. And make sure to follow us on Twitter during the game and check back post game for player grades.