32-Year-Old Power Forward Signs with the Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith is widely regarded as one of the prototypical “Three-and-D” types of players in the NBA. He excels at three-point shooting. Last season, he shot 41 percent from three, and he is known for his tireless defense. Smith uses his seven-foot wingspan to help defend opponents, making it difficult for them to score. All those aspects of his game are why the Lakers decided to trade for him last December. Along with being a teammate of Luka Doncic while in Dallas, Finney-Smith carved out a role for the Lakers by becoming a starter when they decided to play small ball. This eventually doomed them as the Lakers fell to the Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. As the Purple and Gold look for answers, Finney-Smith looks to become a viable asset elsewhere. Today, it was reported that the former Florida Gator has signed with the Houston Rockets on a four-year, $53 million deal.

Finney-Smith began his career with the Dallas Mavericks in 2016 by joining their Summer League team. After impressing the team during the offseason, Finney-Smith earned a roster spot on the opening night roster. He would primarily come off the bench for the first three years of his career before earning a starting role on the team in 2019. Finney-Smith was a part of the Mavericks team that made it to the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season, but the Mavericks fell to the Clippers in six games. The Mavericks made the playoffs the following year and fell to the Clippers again, but this time in seven games. 2022 was a big year for Finney-Smith as he signed a contract extension with the team, a four-year, $52 million deal, and the Mavericks made it to the Western Conference Finals but lost to the Warriors in five games.

However, like all good things, they must come to an end. Finney-Smith’s time in Dallas ended in February 2023 when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the Kyrie Irving deal. Finney-Smith ended his time in Dallas by averaging nine points, four rebounds, and one assist during his time there. In Brooklyn, it was more of the same; however, the Nets were looking to rebuild following their superteam debacle and traded Finney-Smith to the Lakers in 2024. After the aforementioned playoff exit, Finney-Smith underwent left ankle surgery in the offseason. Now, fully healthy, the former Dallas Maverick looks to continue his role in being a part of the Rockets, where he can make an impact when he steps on the court.