Houston Rockets‘ Dorian Finney-Smith Faces Delayed Season Start After Ankle Surgery
Are you a Houston Rockets fan eager to see your team take the court? Or perhaps you’re a fantasy basketball player assessing your draft picks? Unfortunately, thereS news regarding forward Dorian Finney-Smith that impacts both. He’s expected to miss the beginning of the 2024-2025 NBA season as he continues recovery from offseason surgery on his left ankle. Let’s dive into the details, timeline, and what this means for the Rockets.
Understanding the Injury and recovery
Finney-Smith underwent the procedure in June to address a lingering ankle injury sustained last season. This wasn’t a new injury, but rather a proactive step to ensure long-term health and performance. Currently, he’s participating in non-contact drills during training camp, focusing on shooting and treatment.
Coach Ime Udoka confirmed on Wednesday that Finney-Smith won’t be ready for the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 21st. Udoka also stated the team doesn’t yet have a firm timeline for his return. This cautious approach is typical, prioritizing a full recovery over a rushed comeback.
What This Means for the Houston Rockets
Finney-Smith signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Rockets this offseason, making him a key part of thier rebuilding plans. His versatility as a 3-and-D player – excelling in both three-point shooting and defensive capabilities – is highly valued.
* Impact on Lineup: His absence initially creates a hole in the Rockets’ forward rotation.
* Increased Opportunity: Younger players will likely see increased playing time, providing valuable growth opportunities.
* Defensive adjustments: The Rockets will need to adjust their defensive strategies without Finney-Smith’s perimeter defense.
* Offensive Flow: His shooting ability will be missed, potentially impacting the team’s offensive spacing.
The Rockets are banking on Finney-Smith being a crucial piece of their future. A thorough recovery is paramount, even if it means a delayed start to the season.
Dorian Finney-Smith: A Career Overview
Before joining Houston, Finney-Smith spent nine seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he’s established himself as a reliable role player known for his defensive intensity and improving offensive game.
Here’s a quick look at his career averages:
* Points Per Game: 8.3
* Rebounds Per Game: 4.5
* Teams Played For: Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets
last season, with the Lakers, he averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds. His experience and veteran presence will be invaluable to the Rockets once he’s fully healthy. NBA Player Profile – Dorian Finney-Smith provides a extensive overview of his stats and career highlights.
What to Expect During His Recovery
Recovery from ankle surgery varies depending on the specific procedure and individual healing rates. Here’s a general outline of what Finney-smith’s recovery process likely entails:
- Initial Phase (Weeks 1-4): Focus on reducing swelling, pain management, and regaining range of motion.
- Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 4-8): gradual introduction of strengthening exercises and proprioceptive training (balance and coordination).
- Return to Court Phase (Weeks 8+): Progressive return to basketball activities, starting with shooting drills and light conditioning, then progressing to full-contact practice.
The Rockets’ medical staff will closely monitor his progress,ensuring he’s fully cleared before returning to game action. Rushing the process could risk re-injury, setting back his recovery even further.
Staying Updated on finney-Smith’s Progress
you can stay informed about Finney-Smith’s recovery through several sources:
* Official Rockets Website: [Houston Rockets Official Site](https://www.
