Why Dennis Smith Jr's toughness matters for Coach Jacque Vaughn

Brooklyn is not the best defensive team in the league, but the Nets have reliable defenders who can get stops. Dennis Smith Jr. is one of those players, as Coach Jacque Vaughn loves having him on the floor.

It is a fantastic development because only a few years ago, DSJ felt that he did not have a place in the league anymore. He’s a regular fixture in the Nets lineup and is the team’s best guard defender.

Look at Dennis Smith Jr., man. So many people wrote this dude off; now he’s legitimately one of the better backup point guards in the league. Absolute menace on defense and a force attacking the rim. 14 points on 7/10 with three steals and a +11 in the win at Detroit. #LetsFly pic.twitter.com/ZIRkIrounR
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) March 10, 2023

“To see a guy that plays extremely hard, cares about winning, cares about his teammates, has a joy about competing, doesn’t mind hitting people in a contact sport,” Coach Vaughn said in a YES Network segment.

Dennis is important to the Nets

Smith has cemented himself as a vital role player for the Nets, as he’s a reliable playmaker off the bench and an elite defender. That skill is what any coach would love to have in a backup.

Dennis also plays the way Coach Vaughn wants, transition basketball with a high-octane offense. The former NC State guard is the Nets’ most athletic player, so having him on the roster makes Vaughn’s system a better fit since point guards like Smith and Ben Simmons love playing with pace.

My latest short's on Dennis Smith Jr (@Dennis1SmithJr) and his emergence as a high-level defender. https://t.co/rIxLe1nWCg
— Aaron Resnick (@amrhoops) February 14, 2024

DSJ is tough and willing to get his hands dirty. He’s not just an athletic freak but also has the hustle and energy that glue guys have. Players like Patrick Beverley and PJ Tucker made careers playing this role, and Dennis quickly adopted it during his time with the Nets.

Dennis will have suitors in the offseason

Smith only signed a one-year contract in the summer of 2023, which could backfire against the Nets because he will get offers elsewhere. The Miami Heat is arguably the best fit for him, given his athleticism and defense, but the Nets are still in the running.

the Heat are missing 3 archetypes on their team right now imo

a defensive minded ball handler
a backup 5 who can screen, dive and dunk
a big wing capable of sizing up defensively

if the Heat are able to address 2 of these via small trade and buyout market, it's a win
— Alonzo Afternoon (@gadielcartagena) February 7, 2024

Brooklyn gave Dennis the shot he wanted at regular minutes. He had some impressive moments in Charlotte but wasn’t trusted to perform at the highest level. He might play a factor for Dennis because he loves playing in the state of New York, and he has a superb role within Coach Vaughn’s system.

No matter where he goes, Coach JV’s opinion on DSJ matters. That can be the reason why he stays after this season because Vaughn wants to keep coaching him, and the Nets can exceed every offer other teams make for Dennis.

Dennis is important to the Nets

Dennis will have suitors in the offseason

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