Dorian Finney-Smith has had a rough start in Houston.
When the Rockets signed him this summer, his contract was viewed as one of the best bargains of the offseason, but so far, that prediction hasn’t come to fruition yet. He didn’t make his season debut for Houston until Christmas Day against his former team, the L.A. Lakers, and has been largely ineffective in his minutes off the bench.
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As a result, Finney-Smith’s name has been floated around in trade rumors. While his contract is tradeable, it’s unlikely that the Rockets move him at the deadline, considering how low his current value likely is.
Slow start for DFS
Through his first 15 games, Finney-Smith is averaging 2.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 15.7 minutes per game. If the season ended today, those would both be career lows for the 12-year veteran. His efficiency is also the worst of his career, as he’s shooting just 30% from the field and 27.5% from beyond the arc.
Finney-Smith has been held scoreless in four of those 15 games played, and has only scored more than five points in three of them. After shooting 39.8% from deep with the Lakers last season, he was expected to help space Houston’s offense, but that hasn’t happened yet.
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While Finney-Smith hasn’t lived up to his contract thus far, he still has plenty of time to get adjusted and find his shot. Coming off a major ankle surgery, the 32-year-old should only get better as the season goes on and he gets more comfortable in Houston’s system.
If Finney-Smith’s struggles continue, Houston doesn’t have to trade him to get off his contract. Only the first two years of his contract are guaranteed, and the Rockets can cut bait the following offseason. That’s the worst-case scenario for Houston — it’s more likely that Finney-Smith gets back into playing shape and makes everyone forget about his slow start.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Dorian Finney-Smith struggling for Houston Rockets in first 15 games