Rockets Brace for Finney-Smith’s Return Amid Injury Setback
This offseason, the Houston Rockets aimed to make a significant impact with notable acquisitions. While opinions on what constitutes a “splash acquisition” can vary, few would argue against the gravity of signing Kevin Durant. Universally recognized as one of the greatest players to grace the basketball court, Durant’s scoring prowess remains unmatched, even if early signs suggest a slight adjustment period in his new role with the Rockets.
However, the other major move orchestrated by General Manager Rafael Stone was the addition of Dorian Finney-Smith, a player coveted by several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets secured Finney-Smith with a four-year contract worth $52.7 million, bolstering their arsenal with another versatile wing defender well-suited for the modern game’s emphasis on shooting and defense. His signing was particularly crucial as the team sought to fill the void left by Dillon Brooks, who had become a cornerstone of the squad before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in the Durant deal.
Injury Strikes Early
What the Rockets did not anticipate at the time of Finney-Smith’s signing was the extent of his impending absence due to injury. As the season approaches its first quarter, Finney-Smith has yet to make his debut. However, there is cautious optimism surrounding his recovery, as head coach Ime Udoka recently provided an encouraging update.
“Dorian is improving,” Udoka noted. “He’s starting to ramp it up a little bit. He’ll get some live work in. Obviously, how he reacts to that determines when he gets back. It will be a little bit still. I think we’re anticipating more around January hopefully, but he’s getting into the phase of playing a little bit more now.”
A Missing Piece
This news should resonate well with Rockets fans, as Finney-Smith is recognized as one of the league’s most adaptable defenders. Last season, he elevated his game to elite status as an outside shooter, hitting 41.1 percent of his three-point attempts while maintaining a solid volume of five shots per game. His absence has been particularly felt as the Rockets also contend with injuries to other key players, such as Tari Eason.
Finney-Smith has a history of playing through injuries, which has sometimes hindered his recovery. This time, the Rockets are taking a more measured approach, prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed return. After all, the team’s aspirations extend beyond the early months of the season; they are building for a deeper playoff run in April and May.
As the Rockets navigate this challenging phase, the potential return of Finney-Smith looms as a pivotal moment in their campaign, one that could reshape their fortunes as they aim for a successful season.
