Rockets Forward Dorian Finney-Smith Dropped From Rotation
Houston's big free agent acquisition last offseason has been a massive disappointment.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 16: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Dorian Finney-Smith #2 of the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of the game at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) Getty Images When the Rockets used their midlevel exception last offseason to sign forward Dorian Finney-Smith away from the Los Angeles Lakers, the move drew strong reviews leaguewide. Earlier in the summer, Houston had traded forward Dillon Brooks as part of the blockbuster trade to acquire Kevin Durant.
Brooks was Houston's primary defensive stopper over the past two seasons and it was believed that Finney-Smith could step in and fill the void left by Brooks' absence. Finney-Smith's contract is for four years at $53 million. The move has not gone according to plan and instead has been one of the most disappointing free agent signings of last offseason.
Finney-Smith did not appear in Houston’s four games between March 27 and April 1. Only on April 3, against Utah in what was a thirty point blowout victory, did he finally appear, checking in for nine minutes of garbage time. Before that, Finney-Smith’s minutes had drastically been slashed.
On the season, he is averaging just 3. 2 points and 2. 5 rebounds per game.