Dorian Finney-Smith helps Mavericks remain flexible as they build

Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith is outperforming his contract. Why that will become important for the Mavs going forward.

The Dallas Mavericks had the playoffs firmly in their sights when the season was suspended because of the novel coronavirus on March 11. They sat seventh in Western Conference, but 10.5 games ahead of the ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers.

It was a bit unexpected. Experts predicted the Mavs as a fringe playoff team heading into the year, but few anticipated them having a playoff spot virtually locked up at the All-Star break.

Luka Doncic was the main attraction. The 21-year-old became a superstar before fans’ eyes. It was clear from the first game that he had jumped levels.

The additions of Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Seth Curry, Delon Wright, and Boban Marjanovic cannot be glossed over. Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. came over in a midseason trade the season prior but played just 19 games combined in Dallas because of injuries. THJ becoming the Mavericks’ third-leading scorer was important. Curry and Porzingis added to their floor spacing and freed up the lane for Luka.

The Mavs also concentrated on bringing back a few of their own players that hit the free agent market in the summer of 2019. J.J. Barea, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, and Dorian Finney-Smith all got new deals last offseason.  It was important for the Mavericks to take care of their own.

The contracts all were fair deals, but one is beginning to stand out. It has only been 67 games, but the pact reached with Dorian Finney-Smith could be important for the Dallas Mavericks moving forward. Let us take a look at the contract and why it matters.

Next: Finney-Smith's deal