Miami Heat: Dorian Finney-Smith fits “the culture” and this proves it
Going back to the 2016 NBA Draft night, Zach Lowe’s reporting that the Miami Heat almost landed undrafted forward Dorian Finey-Smith.
The Miami Heat’s successes today can be traced back to a number of things. But the benefits of their top-tier player development program can be seen up and down this current roster.
Miami has found key contributors in Derrick Jones Jr, Kendrick Nunn, and Duncan Robinson this season, all of whom went undrafted in their respective draft classes. But according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Dorian Finney-Smith almost joined those ranks following the 2016 NBA Draft:
"“For most of this regular season, the Heat started two undrafted free agents in Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson. Another, Derrick Jones Jr., comes off the bench. (They had the inside track in the hours after the 2016 draft on yet another undrafted free agent-turned-starter, but the Dallas Mavericks outbid Miami at the last second for Dorian Finney-Smith, sources have told ESPN.)”"
Finney-Smith signed a multi-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks after going undrafted in 2016, immediately earning a roster spot after impressing in training camp. Since, the 27-year old forward has signed a second deal for the years and $12-million, and moved into the starting five.
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It’s no surprise to hear Miami had an interest in Finney-Smith, he’s a 6-7 combo forward who produces on both ends of the basketball, now in Dallas. He finished the regular season averaging 9.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 71 games for the Mavericks.
Would Finney-Smith be starting today, for a Heat team that’s exceeded all expectations, and is well on their way to their first Finals appearance since 2014? We’ll never know.
But what fans do know, is that Robinson, Jones Jr, Nunn—they’re not flukes, or modern day miracles. They are products of a Miami Heat system built on due diligence.
Next. 3 Things to Watch for in Game 2 vs Boston. dark
For now, the Miami Heat will continue rolling out a roster that’s seen them win nine of 10 playoff games thus far in the postseason. They’ll take on the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm EST.