Dallas Mavericks: Grading Dorian Finney-Smith’s 2019-2020 season

Grading Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith’s 2019-2020 season

The Dallas Mavericks signed Dorian Finney-Smith after he went undrafted in 2016. There was competition. Finney-Smith played four seasons of NCAA basketball including three at the University of Florida. The potential was clear, but he was going to be a project.

Finney-Smith immediately found his way into the nightly rotation for the Mavericks. His role continues to grow. The 27-year-old was a full-time starter for the first time in his career this season. He did not make coach Rick Carlisle and the Mavs regret that decision. DFS produced career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, 3-pointers made, and minutes per game.

The biggest improvement came in his efficiency, though. Finney-Smith consistently knocked down his threes for the first time in his career. That unlocked another level. Fans can read more about why he is an extremely important piece for Dallas moving forward here.

The NBA suspended play because of the novel coronavirus on March 11. The whispers of a return are growing louder, but there is nothing concrete yet. It appears the Mavericks will get their shot in the playoffs starting in July. That is all we know at this point.

Still, the 67 games Dallas played before the hiatus will always be there own season in many ways. It will be three months without basketball games in a few weeks. It will be no different than an offseason once play resumes.

Today, we look back at Dorian Finney-Smith’s 2019-2020 season thus far. The goal is to hand out offensive and defensive grades before determining a final mark for his production.

Next: Offensive grade