The Houston Rockets made a number of large acquisitions during the previous summer. What one individual considers a spectacular acquisition may not be the same for another. Regardless of the individual or the criterion, Kevin Durant is an unquestionable splash move. He is regarded as one of the all-time great players in the game.
Additionally, after the departure of Dillon Brooks, who had emerged as the team’s leader and was traded to the Phoenix Suns in the Durant trade, Houston acquired forward
Dorian Finney-Smith, who was sought after by numerous teams, as he was a top-tier defender and had developed into a top-tier outside shooter during the previous season, making 41.1 percent of his three-point shots at a respectable volume (five attempts). Finney-Smith signed a four-year contract worth $52.7 million with the Rockets, providing them another 3-and-D-fit switchable wing defender.
However, after signing, Dorian then underwent ankle surgery and has not yet suited up for the Rockets this season, which is about a fourth of the way through. Finney-Smith’s absence has been amplified as forward Tari Eason is also out of commission with an oblique injury. Houston is erring on the side of caution, however, as Finney-Smith played through injury extensively in past years, which likely is extending his healing process, which is why the Rockets aren’t rushing his return and are allowing him ample time to heal.
After what has felt like radio silence, we heard from head Coach Ime Udoka, and it seems Finney-Smith may be getting close to making his Rockets debut.
“Dorian is improving,” Udoka said. “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.”
This is great news for Rocket’s fans, as many have been awaiting Finney-Smith’s debut,
Houston has a short break before hosting the Clippers at Toyota Center Thursday night at 7:00. As always, you can find game coverage on Space City Home Network or NBA League Pass, and can find pre- and post-game coverage here at the Dreamshake.
