2:56 pm: Finney-Smith will make his season debut on Thursday, sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin (Twitter link). The veteran forward will be on a “strict” minutes restriction, Charania adds.
8:55 am: Veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith could make his Rockets debut on Thursday when Houston faces the Lakers. He’s listed as questionable to play in the Christmas Day matchup, according to Ben DuBose of RocketsWire.
Finney-Smith would be playing against his most recent team if he does suit up. He left the Lakers as a free agent over the summer, signing a four-year, $53MM contract with the Rockets.
Noted for his defensive versatility, Finney-Smith was traded from Brooklyn to Los Angeles last December and appeared in 43 games for the Lakers in 2024/25, making 20 starts. He averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 28.8 minutes per game, posting a shooting line of .442/.398/.714.
Finney-Smith underwent left ankle surgery in June, weeks before signing his new deal. At that time, he was expected to be ready for training camp, but that timeline proved optimistic. The 32-year-old missed a total of 20 games last season related to issues with the ankle, including eight with Los Angeles.
Starting power forward Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging a career-high 34.5 minutes per game. Finney-Smith’s availability will likely cut into Smith’s playing time.
They overpaid him idk if he’s still gonna be the same after all these injuries on a 4 year deal
From the article when they signed him
“ The deal is fully guaranteed for two seasons, with a non-guaranteed third year and a non-guaranteed fourth-year player option, per Scotto”
He hasn’t had a lot of injuries. Just getting banged up. This ankle issue he’s had for yrs. He finally had surgery on it. It wasn’t a major operation. No ligament damage. He should be much better now when in game shape. Rockets need the depth. He will be a welcome addition.
Rockets still have the o find a PG.
Vassel, Quickley and Cameron Johnson are overpaid
VanVleet, Capela, A Holiday and a 1st or two 2nds to Portland for Jrue Holiday
Waive Crawford, promote Smith, Is Davison good?
Sign E Bates or Jaylin Martin as a SF prospect, Davison or Jazian Gortman or Bryson Warren as a PG prospect, Jamarion Sharpe or Moses Brown or Mo Bamba as a backup shot blocking C all on two way contracts
December 26th*
Sheppard is starting to look more comfortable every day. He’s a major talent and a great shooter. He isn’t ready to lead a team thru playoffs. Rockets have to find a PG ……. Have to. Jrue or CJ .
Rockets need a PG to contend. Don’t mess up KDs window. Rockets are tops in most team categories. Only 17th in team ast.
KD with 25 a gm. I don’t see the KD hate anymore.
TWolves too. They get a PG or Coby…. Look out
Luka with the big D 😱😱😱😱🎅
Getting spanked by 20. Today his defensive rating was GotMuAresKicked ……..