{"id":783602,"date":"2018-08-28T13:21:42","date_gmt":"2018-08-28T17:21:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=783602"},"modified":"2018-08-28T13:35:18","modified_gmt":"2018-08-28T17:35:18","slug":"dennis-smith-jr-talks-summer-hoops-under-armour-hovr-havoc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/dennis-smith-jr-talks-summer-hoops-under-armour-hovr-havoc\/","title":{"rendered":"Dennis Smith Jr. Talks Playoff Expectations & Signature Shoe Hopes"},"content":{"rendered":"

interview by Nick De Paula & Ian Stonebrook<\/em><\/p>\n

As much as the game has evolved, point guards going out to compete in the NBA Dunk Contest still isn’t something you see every day. Especially as a rookie. Well, Dennis Smith Jr.<\/strong> isn’t your average point guard nor was he your average rookie.<\/p>\n

After impressing in his debut season in Dallas, the first round pick out of NC State has cemented his position as a fixture of the Mavericks’ future and that of Under Armour as well. While on hand for the Las Vegas launch of the HOVR Havoc<\/a> – a model Dennis donned before anyone else at Summer League – we talked to Dennis about his preparation for next season, being the first player to lace up the HOVR Havoc and dreams of having his own signature shoe.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: What was that first year like as you were starting to get familiar with Under Armour?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dennis Smith Jr.:<\/strong>\u00a0The first year was pretty good. I was just getting to know everyone and building relationships is important. The people I’ve dealt with at Under Armour have been honest and I feel really comfortable with the whole UA family.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: What were some of the biggest points of feedback for you to inform the design on the HOVR Havoc?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dennis Smith Jr.:<\/strong> I liked the shoe a lot and comfort is obviously very important to me. On the shoes I wore last year, the Drive 4, they’re similar to the HOVR Havoc but the ankle was a bit too sharp and they eliminated that on the HOVR Havoc. I like the HOVR Havoc a lot.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: What are some of the details you try to incorporate into the shoes you wear?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dennis Smith Jr.:<\/strong> A lot of the shoes I wear have to do with my hometown and that\u2019s something that’s major for me and my family. Most of my shoes will have 901 on them or the ‘D’ from Dreamville. My PE always has to have something about back home.<\/p>\n

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photo by Bart Young\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Snkrs Day: You debuted the HOVR Havoc in bright orange at NBA Summer League. What is it about that platform that made you wear the flashy shoes?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dennis Smith Jr.:<\/strong>\u00a0They liked them! My equipment guys told me they were gonna stand out. At summer league last year I didn\u2019t have a shoe deal, so I was wearing all kinds of shoes. Under Armour had came to me and they said, \u2018We know you’re a big Martin<\/em> fan, so we got these for you.\u2019 When they showed them to me they caught me off guard, just because that showed they really care about the player and they did the research on me.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: What went into the decision last summer to bet on yourself and play it out as opposed to most players getting a shoe deal right out of the draft?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dennis Smith Jr.:<\/strong> That was just bright thinking by my pops and my agent – you know they kinda brainstormed it and knew there was really no point in rushing. Because I got picked 9th I could just go out and show I can perform.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: This summer league you seemed focused on shooting the 3 ball. Is there anything you’re focusing on individually or from a team perspective this summer heading into next season?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dennis Smith Jr.:<\/strong>\u00a0Like you said, shooting the 3 ball a little bit more. Towards the second half of the year, my numbers went up in terms of shooting the 3 so that\u2019s something we really focused on and you know getting good looks and taking advantage of those opportunities. Aside from that, getting better defensively and more so for me more than anything else is just the pride of the game. Just being able to come out and do what you\u2019re supposed to do.<\/p>\n

Snkrs Day: This summer you guys picked up DeAndre Jordan and Luka Doncic. How does that change things for you knowing that you’re at the helm at point now that expectations have been elevated?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dennis Smith Jr.:<\/strong>\u00a0The expectations are definitely up. For me, I’ve gotta work as hard as possible to become the best Dennis Smith Jr. that I can be. Everything else will take care of itself. You know we’re expected to make the playoffs this year. Like you said, I’m at the helm of that so I’ve got to do what I’m supposed to.<\/p>\n