As the old adage says, hard work pays off.
That's actually been the career foundation of Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith. After going undrafted in 2016, the 24-year-old has become a part of the Mavs' regular rotation. Finney-Smith has been the team's designated defensive stopper, and now, he is going to be an integral part of the future after he signed a three-year deal to stay in Dallas earlier this month.
Finney-Smith considers his new opportunity with the Mavs as a blessing. In an interview with Brian Smith of 13/ABC News Now, he recalled his journey from making it into the final roster in 2016 to making a name for himself in the NBA.
“A lot of sacrifices to get here,” Finney-Smith said. “From being the 15th man on the team. Getting another contract is a blessing and it's such a blessing, I want to bless other people.”
The Mavs plan to contend for a playoff spot next season. They are pretty optimistic that reigning Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic and Latvian star Kristaps Porzingis can make things happen for them. However, they also understand that those two won't be enough, which is why they have surrounded them with a supporting cast that understands what they're trying to build.
This is where guys like Finney-Smith comes in. He will be tasked to guard the opposing team's best wing player on a nightly basis, something that Dallas really needs if they want to improve from their abysmal 33-49 record.
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