The Dallas Mavericks are enduring their worst season ever in the Dirk Nowitzki era since his rookie year in the 1998-1999 season. It has been a lost season, one that was entered with hope and potential but squashed by aging and the injury bug. It appears Dallas will miss the playoffs for just the second time since the 2000-2001 season, and while the Mavericks’ struggles may hurt all of their fans, quietly Dallas has found a diamond in the rough in rookie Dorian Finney-Smith, who is getting an opportunity to shine brightly.
One considered an afterthought and roster filler on Dallas’ Summer League and training camp roster, Finney-Smith fought his way onto the opening night roster and is now a regular starter for the Mavs.
Doe-Doe, Finney-Smith’s nickname, is already an NBA level defender. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 220 pounds, his size alone gives him the characteristics of an NBA level defender. He is a scrapper, a common trait for undrafted players who find their way onto NBA rosters (See: Ben Wallace, Kent Bazemore, and Wesley Matthews). Speaking of Matthews, Finney-Smith’s teammate, he has been a source of knowledge for the rookie.
“He’s teaching me where to be, how to get through screens, what a person likes to do,” Finney-Smith told the media following a recent win against the Denver Nuggets.
“Wes is a great guy for any young player to spend time with. His mind is a computer when it comes to defense. And offense, too. He’s a very smart player on offense. But defensively, he’s one of the very best,” said Mavericks’ coach Rick Carlisle. “He’s a defensive guy,” Carlisle explained. “He’s wired as a defender by nature, and he gets really upset when he gets beat on a play. It’s pretty easy to see that out there. He’s a very productive member of this team because he is so consistent at the defensive end.”
Dallas has always been impressed with Finney-Smith’s scrappy style, just ask Dirk Nowitzki, the franchise power forward, and future Hall of Famer, Dallas will eventually have to replace.
“In training camp, he was one of the guys fighting for the last spot, and he was always doing the work, always a positive attitude, a really even-keeled guy. I think those were the main reasons we chose him – his versatility on defense, his attitude and willing to work,” claimed Nowitzki to NBA.com.
Finny-Smith also drew praise from another whose NBA success has been based on doing the scrappy work, even when he captured an NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors.
“He never complains,” said Andrew Bogut. “A lot of these young kids these days come in with a lot of entitlement, but you never hear him say anything. On the court he’s fiery, he’s passionate.”
Finney-Smith’s defensive potential is sky high, but what has hindered him since his college days at Florida is his offensive abilities.
This season DFS is averaging just 5.2 points and one assist per game. What makes him less of a scoring threat is his efficiency, as he is shooting just 40.8% from the field and a measly 32.1% from deep. Finney-Smith has potential as a 3-and-D wing, but much like other young small forwards such as Stanley Johnson, Justise Winslow, and Jaylen Brown, the lack of being a deep-range threat is hindering their development.
“He’s working hard on his shooting. The three-point shot is going to be a very important element to his game,” said Carlisle.
Even with his offensive shortcomings, Doe-Doe has been an exciting rookie that is showing promise for the Mavs. He has started 23 games for Dallas already this season, although he has done so out of necessity. Nowitzki has appeared in just eight games this season and is averaging just 22.1 minutes per game. His injury has pushed DFS into the rotation at the power forward spot. He can not only play power forward but has spent time at small forward and center as well this season. His versatility is another positive to add to a growing list of abilities.
He has enjoyed a much better December compared to November. After averaging 4.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game last month, his scoring increased to 6.7 points and rebounds to 3.9 per game. He has scored in double figures five times in December after never scoring more than eight points in a game in November.
Remember that three-point shot that needs work? It’s looked much better in December. As of December 28th, Finney-Smith is shooting 37.5% from behind the arc on 3.2 attempts per game. While consistency still seems to be an issue, it is encouraging to see him have a good month from deep.
As with all young players, Finney-Smith has ways to go before the Mavericks can count on him to be a complete player. While this has been a disappointing season for the Dallas Mavericks, they have found a key piece for the future in the defensive ace Dorian Finney-Smith.
