The Rockets have learned a Dorian Finney-Smith lesson the Lakers already knew

One of the Rockets’ biggest disappointments this season has been Dorian Finney-Smith, who has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent production. The Lakers already experienced the same struggles last season and even warned other teams about him last summer. Unfortunately, the Rockets didn’t listen and have added him to their long list of injury setbacks this season.

Dorian Finney-Smith hasn’t been able to stay healthy 

“Doe-Doe” has only managed to play 37 games this season as he battled a lingering ankle injury. Unsurprisingly, the injury has also limited him when he has been able to play. He’s averaging just 3 points and 2 rebounds per game while shooting 33% from the field and 27% from three this season.

Finney-Smith was meant to fill a key void for the Rockets as a reliable 3-and-D forward. As we’ve often seen this season, the Rockets are shot on strong two-way players. While Finney-Smith was never meant to be a star, Houston had high hopes that he could be a positive on both ends by playing his role well.

Instead, his injury troubles have contributed to the team’s ongoing roster struggles. Without him, many of the Rockets’ rotation decisions have come down to traders between players with different glaring weaknesses. That’s led to a lack of consistent identity for the Rockets going into the playoffs.

The Rockets have been able to weather Finney-Smith’s injuries

Still, the Rockets have persisted and had a strong season with minimal impact from Finney-Smith. They managed a 5th-place finish in the West and are primed for a first-round series with his former team, the Lakers. Los Angeles has similar problems to the Rockets; many of their role players have clear weaknesses that can be exploited.

But Finney-Smith has a chance to redeem himself in the biggest moments if he can stay healthy. The Lakers will be without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to start the series, meaning that LeBron James is likely to lead their offense. Given his decades of experience, the Rockets would be wise to throw multiple different defenders at James - and Finney-Smith could be one of them.

In fact, Finney-Smith may have the most experience guarding James on the Rockets’ roster. He’s got the perfect build to counter LeBron’s size and lasting athleticism, as well as 10 years of NBA experience in his own right. Even if Finney-Smith isn’t directly in the game to lock down LeBron, he can still guide his younger teammates on slowing down The King.

Hopefully, Dorian Finney-Smith is able to bounce back from an injury-riddled season that the Lakers seemed to know was coming. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to get revenge on his former squad very soon.

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