Friday's practice could help shape Dennis Smith Jr.'s future, whether in a Mavericks uniform or not

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The smartest thing Dennis Smith Jr. can do is show up Friday morning to Mavericks practice and work and compete as though the rest of his NBA career depends on it.

This is the only way Smith and the Mavericks can begin to extricate themselves from the heaping mess that both sides have allowed to accumulate around them.

As of Thursday evening, a Mavericks source expressed hope, bordering on optimism, that after discussions with Smith and his agent, Glenn Schwartzman, that the franchise and Smith can re-establish a positive working relationship, perhaps as soon as Friday's practice.

A source from Smith's inner-circle told The News earlier this week that 21-year-old Smith,…