76ers Show an Interest in Adding Former $17 Million Top-10 Pick originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia 76ers may be willing to take a flier on a former top-10 NBA pick in the NBA Draft. Even if that means he hasn’t played in the NBA in more than a year.
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported on June 5 the 76ers hosted guard Dennis Smith Jr. for a workout.
Smith participated in the team’s two-day veteran minicamp. As part of the minicamp, the 76ers had several veterans at their facility in early June. But as the ex-No. 9 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Smith was the most notable.
The Dallas Mavericks drafted Smith at No. 9 in 2017. Smith made $17.19 million over his four-year rookie contract with the Mavericks.
Smith last appeared in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2023-24 season.
The Mavericks traded Smith to the New York Knicks less than two years into his rookie deal. Over his seven-year NBA career, Smith has also spent time with the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Hornets in addition to the Mavericks, Knicks and Nets.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Smith averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game in 56 contests with Brooklyn.
Eugene Omoruyi, Malcolm Hill, Adama Sanago, Alondes Williams, Malik Williams, Armando Bacot, Javonte Cooke, Judah Mintz and Leaky Black are some of the participants, according to sources. https://t.co/gyNjg1kEq8
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 5, 2025
On Dec. 20, 2024, Smith signed a contract to join the Wisconsin Herd in the NBA G-League. However, he never appeared in a game for the Herd, and then went overseas to play in Spain beginning in January.
Smith spent about one month with Real Madrid.
Smith became the No. 9 overall pick in 2017 after one tremendous season with the NC State Wolfpack during 2016-17. In 32 games for NC State, he averaged 18.1 points, 6.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds per contest.
As a freshman that season, Smith led the ACC in assists per game.
In 326 career NBA games, Smith has posted 9.7 points, 4.2 assists and 3.0 rebounds per contest.
Related: NBA Trade Rumors Buzzing Around 76ers Ahead of Draft
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
