The signing of Dorian Finney-Smith was initially seen as a strategic move for the Houston Rockets, aiming to bolster their lineup with one of the NBA's top role players. With a +14.2 on/off differential, Finney-Smith ranked just behind the likes of Nikola Jokic and Christian Braun, a testament to his impactful presence on the court.
For a team leaning on stars like Kevin Durant, he seemed like the ideal wingman. So, what derailed this promising addition?
The roadblock came in the form of an offseason ankle surgery that delayed Finney-Smith’s debut. The Rockets' front office and head coach Ime Udoka remained tight-lipped about his status, adding to the mystery.
When he finally hit the court on December 25, the Rockets were already a third of the way through their season. Missing out on a full training camp and preseason likely disrupted his rhythm-a crucial element for role players.
Houston had high hopes that Finney-Smith could fill the void left by Dillon Brooks. Instead, they've had to lean more heavily on players like Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant, adding to their workload.
Despite the challenges, there's a silver lining. Coach Udoka is actively working to integrate Finney-Smith into the lineup as the postseason approaches.
Plus, with a multi-year contract in place, there's optimism that a fully healthy start next season could turn things around.
As the Rockets prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies tonight at 7:00 PM CST, fans are hopeful for a resurgence. Catch the action on Space City Houston, and stay tuned for comprehensive pre and post-game coverage.