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Dallas Mavericks: Dorian Finney-Smith Should Not be Overlooked

By Kohl Rast

Oct 1, 2016; Bossier City, LA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) after a made basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at CenturyLink Center. New Orleans won 116-102. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Bossier City, LA, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) after a made basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during a game at CenturyLink Center. New Orleans won 116-102. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks found a hidden gem after the NBA Draft last year when undrafted Dorian Finney-Smith fell in their lap. The former Florida Gator should not be overlooked going into this season.

The Dallas Mavericks are looking to build a roster going into this season and some of that building will inevitably have to come through free agency and the draft. But, what some people tend to forget is that Dallas worked hard to start the youth movement last season and it is going to pay off this year.

When people think about the youth of the Dallas Mavericks, it starts with Harrison Barnes, Nerlens Noel, Seth Curry, and often times Yogi Ferrell. But rarely is Dorian Finney-Smith mentioned in that conversation. Why?

Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Doug McDermott (25) guards Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Doug McDermott (25) guards Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith (10) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

To start with, people just tend to overlook his contribution overall. He is a quiet player that came to the Mavs quiet, stands on the court quietly, and sits on the bench quietly. He is a hard-nosed defender that found himself overwhelmed this year going from guarding players in the SEC to guarding the Kevin Durant’s, Kawhi Leonard’s, and LeBron James’s of the league. If that wasn’t enough, he also guarded the power forward position regularly.

Through all that though, we learned a few important things about DFS.

Firstly, we can count on him defensively. His specialty is defense and that is where he will be most utilized. Secondly, his three-pointer is getting better. He really did improve over the season and his shot continues to look better and better, especially from the corner. Thirdly, he is coachable. We never hear any problems about DFS in the locker room because there aren’t any. He is here to work.

All I am saying is Mavs fans don’t need to forget about DFS when the season is coming closer. We have a great role for him in the second unit and we should not be looking to replace him unless he makes a serious drop in play. Until that point, Finney-Smith should be part of the Mavericks going forward.

Next: 2017 NBA Draft: Three Players that Won't Be There at 9

And with his potential, who knows what will come from it down the road? It is a mystery, much like the one that surrounds DFS on a regular basis.

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