Knee Injury Popping Up Again for Dennis Smith Jr

Former NC State PG Dennis Smith Jr has had a pretty successful start to his NBA career. He’s averaging 11 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds per game. However, a recurring knee injury has some Dallas Mavericks fans starting to worry.

Smith Jr missed two games in a row earlier this season due to a ‘knee effusion,’ and recently the injury reared it’s ugly head again.  The Mavs listed Smith as questionable heading into last night’s game, giving some worry that his knee troubles weren’t over. But Smith tried to squash that notion before the game.

Dennis Smith Jr. says his left knee is fine and he’ll play tonight at Utah 8 pm tip. Said the “questionable” designation doesn’t apply 2nite

— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) October 30, 2017

He must’ve also convinced the coaches that he was fine, seeing as he started at PG vs. the Jazz. But as the night wore on, it was obvious something wasn’t right.

Smith Jr only ended up logging 17 minutes, going 1-7 from the field for 2 points. He also added 3 rebounds and one assist.

While there has been no official report, Smith just doesn’t seem 100%. Knee effusion isn’t serious, but it’s concerning. It’s not an injury that you find often with 19-year-olds. It’s basically ‘water in the knee’ and swelling. It’s usually found with people that have arthritis but can occur when there is an injury to the ligaments or meniscus.

With Smith Jr’s history of knee problems (he tore his ACL prior to arriving at NC State) the Mavs might want to let him rest for a few games and see how he reacts. They have invested a lot in Smith Jr and he has a very bright future. One that we wouldn’t want to see derailed by chronic knee injuries.

We’ll keep you updated.