DALLAS, TX– On Friday, the Dallas Mavericks introduced their selection, Dennis Smith Jr., with the ninth pick in the 2017 NBA Draft at a press conference at the American Airlines Center. Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle, general manager Donnie Nelson and owner Mark Cuban joined Smith Jr., to discuss the newest Maverick.

 

Check out highlights and quotes from the presser below.

 

Mark Cuban says Dennis Smith Jr. was the most impressive interview of all the people they talked to before the draft.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Mark Cuban: We were shocked when he fell to (pick) nine.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Rick Carlisle on Dennis Smith Jr.: We're excited to have him here today and get started.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Rick Carlisle on Dennis Smith Jr.: We're excited to have him here today and get started.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Mark Cuban: "We think we got the steal of the draft." #MFFL pic.twitter.com/HksLNQIedO

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Dennis Smith Jr. says he believes his athleticism is similar to that of Russell Westbrook.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Dennis Smith Jr on his recovering from ACL injury: I came back more explosive and my vertical increased 8 inches.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Dennis Smith on what he knew about Mavs before being drafted: "I know they beat Lebron in the Finals."

"I didn't want Lebron to win"#MFFL

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

DSJ says he had is cousin Isaac, grandma, sister, and father with him when he announced he was drafted.

"It was crazy."

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

DSJ says that playing after ACL injury that he never dealt with any swelling or discomfort. Just shin splints, but that it was normal.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Cuban on DSJ: "It's all just talk until he walks out on the court, but the good news is he works hard."

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Mark Cuban says he believes Dennis Smith Jr has "All-Star potential"

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017

Carlisle says they have to build of DSJ to the point where he can survive the wear and tear of an NBA season.

— DallasSportsFanatic (@Dallas_Fanatic) June 23, 2017