Rockets will soon be vindicated for controversial Dorian Finney-Smith move

The Houston Rockets had a massive offseason, which included the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith. Finney-Smith, who has previously played for the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers, is currently sidelined after offseason ankle surgery. The forward has experience playing an important role on contending teams, and he will give the Rockets the boost they need to vie for the NBA Finals once he returns to action.

Dorian Finney-Smith is the Rockets' missing piece

The offseason saw the Rockets trade for Kevin Durant and Clint Capela. They also signed Josh Okogie, and they re-signed Steven Adams, Jeff Green, Aaron Holiday, Jabari Smith Jr., Jae'Sean Tate, and Jabari Smith Jr. The Durant move gets all of the attention, and rightfully so, but Finney-Smith plays a role that fits perfectly with what the Rockets have.

The Florida product is expected to make his Rockets' debut sometime in January. The Rockets have been solid without him. Houston is 16-8 and in fifth place in the Western Conference. Expectations were arguably greater than the results have been so far, though, and Finney-Smith could help the team get over the hump.

In Finney-Smith's absence, the Rockets have used Okogie predominantly in a starting role. Houston has a defensive attitude, and Okogie fits it well. Furthermore, he has been trusted as a starter because the team has a lot of high-volume players. Having somebody like Okogie, who doesn't need touches but will hit open shots when counted upon, helps the offense run smoothly.

However, Finney-Smith plays this role in a superior fashion, and he should take Okogie's starting spot when he is cleared to play. Finney-Smith averages 8.6 career points per game to Okogie's 6.2. He is also a career 36.2% shooter from deep, whereas Okogie is at just 30.6%. Okogie is hitting his long bombs at a career high rate of 41.3% this season, but considering his past, that might not be sustainable.

Both players are lanky defenders who thrive in the point of attack and can even lock up the opposing team's best player. Finney-Smith might have a slight advantage in this regard, too. Just last season, Finney-Smith almost single-handedly kept the Lakers' defense afloat.

In lineups that feature All-Star or future All-Star talents, in Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson, Finney-Smith will be a perfect role player. He will take the defensive pressure off of the stars, and their offensive gravity will make for tons of open looks from deep. Sengun and Thompson, in particular, will certainly be kicking the ball out to Finney-Smith with frequency.

The Rockets' last two games ended in overtime losses, proving that they are so close but just missing that final piece that can get them over the edge. Finney-Smith's debut is just around the corner, and he will play a big part in Houston improving upon their current record to potentially become a top two or three seed.