NBA Latest Today - Morning Tip Q&A: Dennis Smith Jr.

LeBron James, that imp, knew exactly the conflagration he would start, and lit the match anyway. After the Cleveland Cavaliers' win in Dallas Saturday night (Sunday, PHL time), James tweaked Phil Jackson's selection of point guard Frank Ntilikina with the eighth pick in last June's Draft rather than Dennis Smith, Jr., the electric point from N.C. State who went to the Mavericks with the next selection.

"The Knicks passed on a really good one," James said Saturday (Sunday, PHL time). "Dallas got the diamond in the rough. He should be a Knick. That's going to make some headlines, but he should be a Knick. But Dallas is definitely, I know they're excited that he didn't go there. He's an unbelievable talent."

David Aldridge: What poster was above your bed when you were a kid?

Dennis Smith, Jr.: I had a Chris Paul poster hanging up in my room. I just like how he played. He did everything. He did a little bit of everything. This is when he was on the Hornets. I think I was in fifth or sixth grade. He did everything when he was on the Hornets. They had a battle with the Spurs in the playoffs, and watching that, I wanted to be like that. I wanted to be at that level when I got older. I was a superfan.

DA: I know that you knew already that Summer League was not the same as the regular season. But did anything drive that home for you?

DSJ: You could say that. Even preseason was different. Summer League, it just seemed like it was way faster. Summer League seemed a lot faster than regular season games. It's more grind it out. You've got to be locked in for longer periods. It's a difference.

DA: How have you tried to separate the mental toll of the 82-game season from the physical?

DSJ: Physically, I'm doing a really good job right now. Our training staff, they make sure I stay on top of everything, whether I feel like it or not -- make sure that I do it. It's greatly appreciated. Mentally, I think that just comes from having humbleness. I appreciate being able to play right now. I sat out a whole year already with my ACL. I'm thankful for this opportunity.

DA: So when CP3 gets back, what do you anticipate it will be playing against him?

DSJ: It's go time. It's go time. That's the only way to earn his respect, is to go out and compete. That's what I plan on doing.