Dorian Finney-Smith’s Slow Start in Houston: What’s Going On, and What Comes Next?
When the Rockets landed Dorian Finney-Smith this past offseason, it looked like a savvy move - a veteran wing with two-way versatility on a team-friendly deal. On paper, it checked all the boxes: playoff experience, defensive toughness, and a reliable three-point shot. But so far, things haven’t quite clicked.
Finney-Smith didn’t suit up for Houston until Christmas Day, making his debut against his old team, the Lakers. Since then, it’s been a rocky road. He’s struggled to find rhythm off the bench, and the impact many expected just hasn’t materialized yet.
A Cold Start for DFS
Through his first 15 games in a Rockets uniform, the numbers tell a tough story. Finney-Smith is averaging just 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in a little under 16 minutes per game - both on pace to be career lows.
The shooting numbers are even more concerning: 30% from the field and 27.5% from three-point range. For a player brought in to help stretch the floor and provide veteran presence, that’s not what Houston had in mind.
He’s been held scoreless in four of those 15 games, and has only topped five points three times. That’s a far cry from the version of Finney-Smith we saw last season with the Lakers, where he shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc and carved out a meaningful role as a floor spacer and defender.
It’s clear he’s not fully himself yet - and there’s a reason for that.
Working Back from Injury
Finney-Smith is coming off major ankle surgery, and at 32 years old, getting back into game shape takes time. The timing of his debut - nearly two months into the season - suggests that both he and the Rockets were being cautious with his return. But now that he’s on the floor, it’s all about rhythm, confidence, and adjusting to a new system.
Houston’s rotation is deep, and carving out a consistent role won’t be easy. But Finney-Smith has been through this before.
He’s made a career out of doing the little things - defending multiple positions, hitting timely threes, and playing with a high IQ. If he can get his legs under him and find his shooting touch, there’s still a path for him to contribute meaningfully down the stretch.
Trade Rumors and Contract Flexibility
Anytime a veteran struggles early, the trade chatter starts - and Finney-Smith is no exception. His name has popped up in rumors, but don’t expect Houston to rush into anything. His current value is understandably low, and there’s little incentive to move him at the deadline unless something unexpected comes along.
The good news for the Rockets? His contract gives them options.
Only the first two years are guaranteed, so if things don’t turn around, they’re not locked in long term. But that’s a scenario Houston would prefer to avoid.
The more likely outcome is that Finney-Smith finds his footing. He’s too seasoned, too smart, and too capable to stay this cold forever. And if he can start knocking down shots and regaining his defensive form, this slow start could end up being just that - a slow start.
Looking Ahead
The Rockets are still figuring out what they have this season, and Finney-Smith remains a potential piece of that puzzle. He brings playoff know-how to a young, hungry roster, and there’s value in that even when the box score doesn’t show it.
It might take a few more weeks - or even months - but don’t be surprised if Finney-Smith starts to look more like himself as the season wears on. Houston believed in his fit when they signed him, and while the early returns haven’t lived up to the billing, the story’s far from over.