Confirming prior reports, Real Madrid announced the signing of Dennis Smith Jr on a deal until the end of the 2024/25 season. He will wear the No. 4 jersey.
“Just a level of toughness. Being able to go to the paint. Find guys. Being one of the best defenders in the league. And just a winning mentality, coming over as a real team player, somebody that can help the guys play to their maximum ability. And be able to fit in as well. Just a guy that is about all the right things,” Dennis Smith Jr said Thursday. [h/t Eurohoops.net]
“Prior to coming over, I was watching some of my college tapes and I see the differences in how I viewed the game then to how I do now. Now, it’s just so much about what I can do to help my team. That’s pretty important in professional sports.”
🎙️ @Dennis1SmithJr 🎙️#WelcomeSmithJr pic.twitter.com/ZmEJZMYLlJ
— Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) January 16, 2025
Dennis Smith Jr has appeared in 326 NBA games over seven seasons, and has averages of 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 23.3 minutes per game.
Last season, Dennis Smith Jr competed for the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 19 minutes per game. He played for the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets during his NBA career.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is back on track in the EuroLeague after a struggling start and have won their last six games to improve to 12-9 in the standings.
