The basketball player who discovered he had an extra ACL
In short: During a high-stakes Adidas Nations event in August 2015, Dennis Smith Jr. suffered a torn ACL. However, when surgeons operated on his knee, they discovered a biological anomaly: he was born with a duplicate ACL. This unexpected finding occurred just as he was emerging as a top-tier prospect.
Dennis Smith Jr.'s rise through the ranks of elite basketball was marked by both extraordinary talent and anatomical surprises. While competing in the 2014 NCISAA 1-A State Championship, Smith led Trinity Christian to a title, earning MVP honors after averaging 17.6 points and 9.3 assists per game. During his junior season, he earned the title of Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year in North Carolina.
The most striking moment of his pre-professional career occurred on August 10, 2015. While participating in an Adidas Nations event, Smith tore his ACL. Despite the injury, he reported no immediate swelling or intense pain. The subsequent surgery revealed a rare physiological trait: Smith possessed an extra ACL. This discovery coincided with a period of rapid development, as he claimed to feel more explosive during his recovery.
Smith's collegiate and professional trajectories were equally eventful. After reclassifying to graduate early, he attended North Carolina State University, where he became the only player in ACC history to record two triple-doubles against league opponents. The Dallas Mavericks chose him with the ninth pick during the 2017 NBA draft. His career has since seen him navigate various franchises, including the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Brooklyn Nets, as well as international stints with Real Madrid.
His journey has not been without controversy; his decision to forgo collegiate eligibility led to NCAA sanctions due to illegal recruitment involving payments from NC State coaches. Despite these hurdles, Smith has remained a significant figure in professional basketball, moving through the NBA, the G League, and European leagues like the Spanish Liga ACB.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dennis Smith Jr.
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