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Why Dennis Smith Jr. has a case for being a starter for the Nets

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Nets
By Marin Gabric | Last updated 1/2/24

It is well-documented that Brooklyn has suffered injuries in the 2023/24 season. The biggest loss is Ben Simmons, the team's primary playmaker and best defender, who got sidelined due to a nerve impingement in his lower back. Ben has issues with shotmaking, but his overall skillset is vital in Coach Jacque Vaughn's system.

JV wanted the team to go out and run every opportunity they had. The Nets did that early in the season with Ben and Dennis Smith Jr. as the backup. Unfortunately, they both suffered injuries, leading to Spencer Dinwiddie becoming the starter and a primary ball-handler. Now that DSJ is back and healthy, there is a case for him to become part of the starting group.

"I'm over there fired up, too. He just has an energy about him, and whether it's him getting a layup at the rim, whether it's a defensive stop, the guys rally around that," Vaughn said in early December about what Smith brings to the team.

DSJ makes Cam Thomas viable in the starting lineup

Coach Jacque pulled Cameron Thomas from the starting lineup and replaced him with Dorian Finney-Smith against Washington. This move boosts the team's defense at the start of games because they gave up too many buckets early on with Cam.

However, that might be a short-sighted change because Cam provides an undeniable offensive punch. The LSU product is averaging 22.5 points per game this season, and he's particularly effective when he has a superb defender and playmaker alongside him like Ben or Dennis.

Moving Spencer to the bench might be a better path for Brooklyn because they can still have good playmaking but have better defense by choosing Smith. The coaching staff can choose between DFS and Cameron Johnson for the power forward spot if they make this change.

The coaches seemingly trust Dinwiddie more

Despite his defensive struggles, Dinwiddie is a more effective offensive player than Smith Jr. due to his perimeter shooting. The Nets might have a less potent offense if this change happens, but that shouldn't be a problem because Thomas would be on the floor with DSJ.

This is a dilemma for the Nets, as they're still without Simmons. If they had the 6'10" Aussie back in the starting lineup, Cam would get his starting role. In the meantime, Dennis should be a reasonable option for Vaughn and his coaching staff while giving Dinwiddie the keys to the bench offense.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Nets and was syndicated with permission.

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