Some rookies in the NBA get a feeling for the league faster than others. One could say Philadelphia 76ers “rookie” Ben Simmons has it all figured out. Others have to earn the respect of vets. Others…well they get swatted by Draymond Green. That is the case for Dallas Mavericks’ rookie point guard Dennis Smith Jr., who had his shot sent back by one of the NBA’s best defenders.
"You'll never dunk on me." – Dray to Dennis Smith Jr. ? pic.twitter.com/hyPCcW6gSj
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 24, 2017
Green blocked a dunk attempt from Dennis Smith Jr. and proceeded to say “you’ll never dunk on me”. Smith Jr. has gained a reputation of being an emphatic dunker, but everything changes when you are up against an All-Pro defender.
Draymond Green was not done even after the final whistle blew. After the game, when asked about the block, Green said to reporters, “Yeah that sh— ain’t happening.” Green continued, “This ain’t summer league bro…better luck next time.”
If you are going to get your dunk stuffed at the rim, it may as well be against arguably the league’s best defender. Dennis Smith Jr. has been a lone bright spot for the Mavericks this season and appears to have a bright future in the NBA. But for right now, he will have to take some lumps along the way.
