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Pack in the Pros

What are the odds Dennis Smith Jr. Wins ROY?

Published

7 years ago

on

Directly after the 2017 NBA draft, Vegas didn’t waste anytime setting the odds of who they thought was most likely to win the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Back in June, former NC State point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who was drafted by the Mavericks with the 9th overall pick, was considered a long shot.

The Favorites

Lonzo Ball, Lakers: +250 (5/2)

Ben Simmons, 76ers: +300 (3/1)

Markelle Fultz, 76ers: +500 (5/1)

The Value Picks

De’Aaron Fox, Kings: +700 (7/1)

Jayson Tatum, Celtics: +900 (9/1)

Josh Jackson, Suns: +900 (9/1)

The Longshots

Dennis Smith Jr., Mavericks: +1600 (16/1)

Jonathan Isaac, Magic: +1600 (16/1)

Malik Monk, Hornets: +1600 (16/1)

John Collins, Hawks: +2000 (20/1)

Justin Jackson, Kings: +2200 (22/1)

Lauri Markkanen, Bulls: +2200 (22/1) (FoxSports)

Oh, what a difference a month can make. After the conclusion of the NBA Summer League, Smith saw his stock rise significantly. After averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game, and earning All-Summer League First Team honors, Smith has jumped up the list right behind the favorite Lonzo Ball.

Lonzo Ball (LAL) +250
Dennis Smith Jr. (DAL) +300
Ben Simmons (PHI) +375
Jayson Tatum (BOS) +500
Markelle Fultz (PHI) +1000
De’Aaron Fox (SAC) +1000
Malik Monk (CHA) +1600
Josh Jackson (PHX) +1600
Jonathan Isaac (ORL) +3300
Justin Jackson (SAC) +3300
Lauri Markkanen (CHI) +3300
John Collins (ATL) +3300 (OddShark)

ESPN analyst Chauncey Billups thinks that Smith Jr. Has what it takes.

“I love him. I love him. I think he’s got the potential to be the rookie of the year in the league this year. I think he’s the most polished out of all the point guards that were out there this year. I think he’s the most polished, pro-ready in my opinion and there’s some really good ones that came into the draft this year and I like almost all of them.” (Link)

We will be tracking DSJ religiously here at PackInsider throughout the season. Stay tuned!

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Matthew is Co-Owner of Pack Insider. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, and is in charge of business strategy. He is an NC State alum who majored in business. Matthew is also the lead pastor of The Point Church in Cary, NC.

Pack in the Pros

Former NC State G Terquavion Smith Earns a Spot on the 2023-23 NBA G-League All-Rookie Team

Published

11 hours ago

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April 19, 2024

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Former NC State Guard Terquavion Smith earned a spot on the 2023-24 NBA G-League All-Rookie Team.

Smith averaged 22.3 points, 3.4 assists and 3 rebounds per game for the Delaware Blue Coats. What’s crazy, is that he only started in 3 of the 36 games he played in. With that being said, he averaged 30.7 minutes per game. Smith shot 35.6% from three.

As a 2-way player, Smith also played 16 games for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 3.3 points in 5.3 minutes per game. He shot 37.1% from three.

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NC State LB Payton Wilson Visited with the Steelers Yesterday

Published

2 days ago

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April 17, 2024

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Former NC State Linebacker Payton Wilson had a Top-30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday. Wilson is the first Linebacker the Steelers have brought in.

Wilson has already had Top-30 visits with the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.

PFF ranks Wilson as the #1 Linebacker in the 2024 Draft, and #26 on their Big Board.

1. LB PAYTON WILSON, NC STATE

PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 26

Wilson has the length, movement ability, IQ and tape of a first-round linebacker. What will likely keep him from being drafted on Day 1 is his injury history and age. If healthy, he can be a starting inside linebacker in any defense. (PFF)

Will someone take Wilson in the 1st round? Will he be a 2nd round pick? If he slips past that, that’s just stupid.

 

 

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Pack in the Pros

NC State’s DJ Horne Declares for the NBA Draft

Published

3 days ago

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April 16, 2024

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NC State Guard DJ Horne has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by DJ Horne (@djhorne)

Horne is trying to become the first Wolfpack player to be drafted since Dennis Smith Jr. was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 6th pick in the 1st Round.

While Horne might not currently be projected to be drafted, he is trying to change that tune at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament which begins tomorrow.

Horne is a special player, and genuinely possesses the skill set to compete at the next level. Whether he is drafted, or signs a 2-way contract, what he put on tape this year warrants a chance.





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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is Receiving Interest from NFL Teams

Published

6 days ago

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April 13, 2024

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Former NC State Defensive End Savion Jackson is receiving interest from NFL teams. Thus far, those teams are the Rams, Chargers, 49ers, and Broncos.

Last season as a Senior, Jackson had 40 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolfpack. His Run Defense grade on PFF was 80.6, ranking 4th on the team.

According to current projections, Jackson projects to be taken on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, or picked up as an Undrafted Free Agent.

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