Dennis Smith Jr not with Dallas Mavericks amid doubts over future with franchise
Friday 18 January 2019 20:40, UK
Dennis Smith Jr will not be with the Dallas Mavericks for their two-game road trip amid reports he is unhappy with his role on the team.
Smith Jr has seen his minutes and influence on the Mavericks offense decrease this season after the franchise selected Luka Doncic in the 2018 NBA Draft.
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Doncic is strong favourite to be named Rookie of the Year but Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said on Friday that Smith Jr still has a role on the team and will be welcomed back when he is ready.
Dallas listed him as out due to back soreness for their last three games, while Smith's agent explained him missing practice by claiming his client was unwell.
The Mavericks visit the Indiana Pacers on Saturday and then travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Monday, games Smith will not be involved in.
Asked about the situation, Carlisle said: "Dennis Smith is not here, but I wanted to let everybody know that I reached out to him and his agent last night to let them know that when he's feeling better he's welcome to rejoin the team at any time.
"We would love to have him back. In his year and a half here he has started every game that he has been available to play, and during that period of time he has experienced significant growth on both sides of the ball.
"I'm very proud of the progress that he has made.
"So that's where we are. I don't expect him to be on this trip, but, again, I just think that he's part of this team and we'd love to have him back."
