Dallas Mavericks: Finney-Smith a “Version of an Aminu Type”

Undrafted forward Dorian Finney-Smith defied the odds and made the final 15-man roster for the Dallas Mavericks, but the journey is just beginning.

After another eventful offseason surrounding the roster, Dallas brought in a plethora of undrafted guys to compete for some the last spots on the roster. Instead of rounding out the roster with aging veterans, Dallas went younger in trying to find more diamonds in the rough.

With the final roster cuts due over the weekend, Dallas surprised some and went with the 6’8″ Dorian Finney-Smith out of the University of Florida as their final 15th man.

“He’s a hard-working kid that is a two position player. He’s a legitimate 3-and-D guy. He’s a really good culture guy in terms of his work ethic and approach. He’s a relentless worker who’s going to get better” Head Coach Rick Carlisle says at practice on Sunday.

When Finney-Smith came into camp, we all knew he had the body frame to defend most wings in the league. When looking at players he could compare to in the league, ex-Mav Al-Farouq Aminu has commonly came to mind.

"“I don’t know. Finney-Smith is different than Aminu. Aminu is taller and more of a way above the rim guy and shot blocker. But Finney-Smith is a version of a Aminu type. We just think his body type and skill set will be a constant in the league going forward” -Carlisle"

I actually think the comparison to Aminu is as close as you can get for Finney-Smith. He has the athleticism and position versatility while still having room to work on his shot. Finney-Smith recognized that on Sunday.

“I know I have to get better with my shot. I know I can guard multiple positions, but there are still things I can learn.”

Finney-Smith made it a point to praise the whole organization for not only what they have already done for him, but what they will do to improve his game also. He went on to talk about how he can learn from the great shooters on the team and how helpful the coaching staff is.

"“It means a lot to be a part of a great organization. We have great vets, great team and I’m just going to sit here and try to be a baby and learn everything I can.” -Finney-Smith"

With a growing period ahead for Finney-Smith, you have to think that he will spend a lot of time in Frisco with the Mavericks D-League affiliate, the Texas Legends. When asked how he would feel about spending time there, Finney-Smith had this to say.

“I’m going to do whatever they tell me to do. If I have to go to the D-League and just try to learn and get better…if I’m not playing up here, I wouldn’t mind going down there to play.”

This was the first time Finney-Smith got the chance to talk to the media after making the final roster. The kid showed excitement and respect, but more importantly, he showed perspective. Finney-Smith is excited to grow his game and looks to use every way possible to grow as a player.

When I asked him how he found out that he made the final roster, Finney-Smith said he woke up from a nap with his phone going crazy.

What a cool moment for the youngster as he got to call his mother and tell her he made an NBA roster. If you haven’t read more on the story of Finney-Smith, I strongly reccomend Chris Dortch’s story on NBA.com back from this Spring.

Next: The Mavs Final 15-Man Roster

Comparisons will be thrown around, but now it’s time for Finney-Smith to blossom into his own self.