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Final 2017 NHL mock draft

Who will the Devils take first overall? Who will be the first draft pick in Vegas Golden Knights history? Get those questions answered and many more in our final projection of the first 31 picks of the 2017 NHL draft.

Ian Begley ESPN Staff Writer 

Nice job by Dennis Smith Jr. (Dallas), one of the many draftees at Hunter College in NYC on Wednesday for a Jr. NBA youth basketball clinic and NBA Cares packing project.

ESPN Stats and Information  

Countdown to Kickoff - 69 Days: From 2006 to 2011, Texas Tech registered a streak of 69 straight games scoring on a passing touchdown. That was an FBS record until Oregon threw a TD in 83 straight games from 2010 to 2016, a streak that came to an end against Nebraska last September.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Rangers great Michael Young's scouting report: "Dirk's a lost cause."

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Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Dirk Nowitzki on Dennis Smith Jr.: "It's a great pick. ... He brings obviously crazy athleticism and his shot is really good."

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Dirk Nowitzki says no decision has been made on his $25 million team option for next season. "I'm sure there will be some communication before July 1 on how we can help this team," Nowitzki said before batting practice for his annual charity baseball game. Nowitzki is guaranteed $5 million and would re-sign at a lesser salary if the Mavs don't pick up the option, a decision Mark Cuban would make in consultation with the longtime face of the franchise.

Jake Trotter ESPN Staff Writer 

Texas Tech and Ole Miss will open the 2018 season in Houston, as part of the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium.

Stats & Info

Thursday's longest home runs

Marcell Ozuna gave the Marlins their only run against the Cubs with a booming blast, while Erik Gonzalez's second homer of the season reached the same distance as home runs from two better-known sluggers.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Dennis Smith Jr. on four PGs being picked before him: "I just use it as fuel to the fire. I've been underrated my whole life, and I'm perfectly fine with it. I'm accustomed to it. I'm going to go out and be Dennis Smith, and nothing can stop that."

ESPN Stats and Information  

Nets select Jarrett Allen No. 22. Allen is one of 2 players from the University of Texas to be drafted in the first round in the last 5 seasons (Myles Turner, 2015). He was 1 of 2 players in the Big 12 to average at least 13 points and 8 rebounds last season.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Donnie Nelson says Dennis Smith Jr. pick eliminates need for Mavs to target PG in free agency.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Dennis Smith Jr. compared himself to "Derrick Rose with a jump shot" during a pre-draft interview with the Mavs.

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Mavericks snag Smith with the ninth pick (0:48)

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Rick Carlisle leaves no doubt Mavs wanted Dennis Smith over Frank Ntilikina, saying there was "uproarious" applause when Knicks made pick.

Tim MacMahon ESPN Staff Writer 

Before question was even asked, Rick Carlisle said Mavs are projecting Dennis Smith Jr. to start as a rookie. Cites intelligence, maturity as well as athleticism. "We believe he's going to be a tremendous player for us and right away."