Dennis Smith Jr. came to the Dallas Mavericks with high expectations.
And the rookie ninth overall draft pick didn't disappoint.
Smith started 69 games and averaged 15.2 points, 5. 2 assists and 3.8 rebounds. Many of his points came in spectacular fashion as he became regarded as one of the best dunkers in the league.
The 6-foot-3 Smith finished third in the league's slam dunk contest.
Despite the play of Dirk Nowitzki, Harrison Barnes and Smith, the Mavericks struggled all season, finishing 24-58 and never contending for the postseason.
"It was a roller-coaster year, and there were a lot of ups and downs," said Smith, who helped kick off the Kids Foot Locker Challenge with some local Boys & Girls Clubs in Dallas on Thursday.
Also during the season, a report linked Smith to an FBI investigation into allegations of corruption in college basketball. Smith only played one season with NC State before turning pro.
"Allegations are just allegations. There isn't any proof behind anything," Smith said. "I'm just ready to go home for the summer."
After talking and playing with the kids at the Oak Cliff Club, Smith reflected on his rookie season:
