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35 Facts About Dorian Finney Smith

Catharina Navarrete

Written by Catharina Navarrete

Published: 03 Jan 2025

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Nytimes.com

Who is Dorian Finney-Smith? Dorian Lawrence Finney-Smith is an American professional basketball player known for his versatility and consistent performance on the court. Born on May 4, 1993, in Portsmouth, Virginia, he has journeyed from high school standout to a key player in the NBA. Finney-Smith's career began at I.C. Norcom High School, where he led his team to back-to-back state championships. He later played college basketball at Virginia Tech and the University of Florida, earning accolades like SEC Sixth Man of the Year. Despite going undrafted in 2016, he made his NBA debut with the Dallas Mavericks and has since played for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dorian Finney-Smith's journey from high school standout to NBA veteran showcases the importance of hard work, dedication, and resilience in achieving success in sports.
  • His consistent improvement, community involvement, and mental preparation highlight the impact of leadership and perseverance both on and off the basketball court.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and High School Achievements
02College Career and Achievements
03NBA Journey and Early Career
04Rise to Prominence
05Playoff Performances and Contracts
06Leadership and Community Involvement
07Fan Base and Player Development
08Team Dynamics and Mental Preparation
09Dorian Finney-Smith: A True Basketball Journey

Early Life and High School Achievements

Dorian Finney-Smith's journey to the NBA began in Portsmouth, Virginia. His early years were marked by impressive performances on the high school basketball court.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Dorian Finney-Smith was born on May 4, 1993, in Portsmouth, Virginia.

  2. High School Career: Finney-Smith attended I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. During his junior year (2009-2010), he averaged 19.7 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocks per game.

  3. College Commitment: In September 2010, Finney-Smith committed to Virginia Tech. He later signed a National Letter of Intent with the Hokies in December 2010.

  4. High School Achievements: As a senior at Norcom High School (2010-2011), Finney-Smith averaged 18 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game. He led his team to back-to-back Group AAA state championships, along with Eastern Region and District titles.

  5. High School Honors: Finney-Smith finished his high school career as a two-time VHSL Class AAA Player of the Year and first-team all-state, all-region, All-Tidewater, and all-district. He also earned All-Tidewater player of the year as a junior and co-player of the year as a senior.

College Career and Achievements

Finney-Smith's college career saw him transition from Virginia Tech to the University of Florida, where he continued to excel.

  1. College Debut: As a freshman at Virginia Tech in 2011-2012, Finney-Smith played in all 33 games, making 30 starts. He averaged 6.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team.

  2. Transfer to Florida: In June 2012, Finney-Smith transferred to the University of Florida due to NCAA transfer regulations. He had to sit out the 2012-2013 season.

  3. College Achievements at Florida: As a sophomore in 2013-2014, Finney-Smith was named SEC Sixth Man of the Year, becoming just the second Gator to win the award after Chris Richard in 2007.

  4. Rebounding Leader: During his sophomore year at Florida, Finney-Smith was the team's leading rebounder, both in total rebounds (247) and per-game average (6.7).

  5. 20/15 Performance: He recorded the first 20/15 performance by a Gator in a road game during Billy Donovan's tenure, totaling a personal-best 22 points in an overtime win over Arkansas.

  6. College Statistics: In 37 games with two starting assignments, Finney-Smith averaged 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25.8 minutes per game.

NBA Journey and Early Career

After going undrafted in 2016, Finney-Smith's NBA career began with the Dallas Mavericks, where he quickly made his mark.

  1. NBA Draft Eligibility: Finney-Smith declared for the 2016 NBA draft but went undrafted.

  2. NBA Debut: He made his NBA debut on October 26, 2016, with the Dallas Mavericks.

  3. Early NBA Career: During his rookie season (2016-2017), Finney-Smith played in 81 games, averaging 4.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game with a shooting percentage of .372 from the field and .293 from three-point range.

  4. Season 2017-2018: In his second season (2017-2018), Finney-Smith played in 21 games for the Mavericks, averaging 5.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game with a shooting percentage of .380 from the field and .299 from three-point range.

  5. Season 2018-2019: During the 2018-2019 season, Finney-Smith played in 81 games, averaging 7.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game with a shooting percentage of .432 from the field and .311 from three-point range.

Rise to Prominence

Finney-Smith's consistent improvement and versatility made him a key player for the Mavericks and later for other teams.

  1. Season 2019-2020: In the 2019-2020 season, Finney-Smith played in 71 games for the Mavericks, averaging 9.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game with a shooting percentage of .466 from the field and .376 from three-point range.

  2. Career Milestones: Finney-Smith has played seven seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, contributing significantly to the team's success during that period.

  3. Trade to Nets: In February 2023, Finney-Smith was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

  4. Trade to Lakers: Late in December 2024, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

  5. Career Statistics: As of the end of his seventh season with the Mavericks, Finney-Smith had career averages of 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game with a shooting percentage of .443 from the field and .360 from three-point range.

Playoff Performances and Contracts

Finney-Smith's playoff performances and contract extensions highlight his value to his teams.

  1. Playoff Performances: During his time with the Mavericks, Finney-Smith played in several playoff games. His most notable performance came during the 2020 playoffs when he scored a playoff career-high 24 points alongside eight three-pointers and eight rebounds in a 111-101 Game 4 win over the Phoenix Suns.

  2. Veteran Extension: On February 12, 2022, Finney-Smith signed a four-year, $52 million veteran extension with the Mavericks.

  3. Career Highs: His career-high in scoring was achieved on March 30, 2022, when he scored 28 points in a 120-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Beyond his on-court achievements, Finney-Smith is known for his leadership and community involvement.

  1. Leadership Role: Finney-Smith has demonstrated leadership on and off the court. His commitment to his team and community has earned him respect from fans and peers alike.

  2. Community Involvement: Beyond his basketball career, Finney-Smith is involved in various community initiatives. He often participates in charity events and supports local youth programs.

  3. Personal Life: Finney-Smith is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He maintains a strong connection with his family and friends, often sharing glimpses into his personal life on social media.

  4. Social Media Presence: Finney-Smith is active on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his life and career.

Fan Base and Player Development

Finney-Smith's dedication to his craft and his loyal fan base have been crucial to his success.

  1. Fan Base: Despite being traded to different teams, Finney-Smith has maintained a loyal fan base across the NBA. His consistent performance and dedication to the sport have earned him admiration from fans worldwide.

  2. Player Development: Throughout his career, Finney-Smith has worked tirelessly to improve his skills. He has been known to spend extra time in the gym, focusing on specific areas of his game to enhance his overall performance.

Team Dynamics and Mental Preparation

Finney-Smith's ability to adapt to different team dynamics and his focus on mental preparation have been key to his success.

  1. Team Dynamics: Finney-Smith has played alongside several notable players during his NBA career, including Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. His ability to adapt to different team dynamics has been crucial in his success.

  2. Injury History: Like many professional athletes, Finney-Smith has faced injuries throughout his career. However, he has consistently shown resilience and determination in overcoming these challenges.

  3. Mental Preparation: Finney-Smith emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in his basketball career. He often talks about the need for focus and discipline both on and off the court.

  4. Coaching Philosophy: His coaches have praised Finney-Smith for his work ethic and willingness to learn. He has been described as a player who is always looking to improve and contribute to the team's success.

  5. Legacy in Basketball: As Dorian Finney-Smith continues to play in the NBA, he leaves a lasting legacy in basketball. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to young players aspiring to follow in his footsteps.

Dorian Finney-Smith: A True Basketball Journey

Dorian Finney-Smith's path from Portsmouth, Virginia to the NBA showcases his dedication and hard work. From his high school days at I.C. Norcom High School, where he led his team to state championships, to his college years at Virginia Tech and Florida, Finney-Smith consistently proved his talent. Despite going undrafted in 2016, he made a name for himself with the Dallas Mavericks, showing versatility and resilience. His journey included significant trades to the Brooklyn Nets and later the Los Angeles Lakers. Finney-Smith's career highlights, like his playoff performances and leadership roles, underline his impact on the court. Off the court, his community involvement and personal dedication further define his character. As he continues with the Lakers, Finney-Smith remains an inspiration, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to success in professional basketball.

Frequently Asked Questions

What team does Dorian Finney-Smith play for?
Dorian Finney-Smith showcases his skills on the basketball court with the Dallas Mavericks. He's been making waves there since joining the NBA, proving himself as a key player for the team.
How did Dorian Finney-Smith end up in the NBA?
His journey to the NBA wasn't handed to him on a silver platter. After playing college basketball at Virginia Tech and then the University of Florida, he went undrafted in 2016. However, his perseverance paid off when the Dallas Mavericks signed him, giving him the chance to shine on the professional stage.
What position does Dorian Finney-Smith play?
On the court, you'll find Dorian Finney-Smith playing as a forward. He's known for his versatility, able to defend multiple positions and contribute offensively when his team needs him.
What makes Dorian Finney-Smith stand out on the court?
His defensive prowess is what really sets him apart. Finney-Smith has a knack for guarding the opponent's best player, making life difficult for them with his relentless effort. Plus, his ability to hit three-pointers adds a valuable dimension to his game.
Has Dorian Finney-Smith won any awards or recognitions?
While he might not have a cabinet full of trophies, his contributions don't go unnoticed. His defensive skills and improvement over the years have earned him recognition among fans and peers alike. He's considered one of the most underrated defenders in the league.
What's Dorian Finney-Smith's background?
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Dorian's journey to the NBA is a tale of hard work and determination. Growing up, he faced challenges but never let them deter his dreams of playing professional basketball. His family and his roots remain a big part of who he is and how he plays the game.
How can I stay updated on Dorian Finney-Smith's career?
For the latest on Dorian Finney-Smith, following him on social media is a great start. Also, keeping tabs on the Dallas Mavericks' official website and their game broadcasts will give you a front-row seat to his performances and achievements.

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