After a short stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets brought in defensive wing Dorian Finney-Smith on a four-year $53 million deal. Entering the 2025-26 season, Finney-Smith was expected to be another skilled defensive wing to add to head coach Ime Udoka’s loaded defensive rotation.
That, however, was not the case, as Finney-Smith struggled to find consistent minutes due to his underwhelming play. It also didn’t help that a lingering ankle injury caused the former Dallas Maverick to miss nearly the first three months of the season. On the floor, Finney-Smith averaged 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.4 steals, all the lowest marks of his 10-year career. He also shot with career-worst inefficiency, averaging 33.3% from the field and 27% from beyond the arc. Finney-Smith made just one start in 37 appearances during the season. Taking into consideration his past production, high expectations and recent contract, Finney-Smith was one of the more underwhelming Rockets’ performers of the season.
Overall grade: F
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Houston Rockets 2025-26 player grades: Dorian Finney-Smith
Reporting by Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
