2016 NBA Draft Watch List: Dorian Finney-Smith

Dorian Finney-Smith, Senior, Florida, Forward, 6’8, 220

(2014-15, 27.9 mpg) 13.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.1 spg, 0.8 bpg, 1.9 tpg

47.2 FG%, 58.7 FT%, 42.6 3FG%, 56.4 TS%, 55.7 eFG%

26.5 USG%, 11.3 OREB%, 16.3 DREB%, 13.7 TRB%, 14.0 AST%, 2.6 STL%

DOB: 5/4/1993 (22) Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia

2015 Second Team All-SEC

The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season

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In his second year at Florida, Finney-Smith took a big leap, looking much more comfortable in Billy Donovan’s offense, while giving the Gators an athletic forward who was a key part of their defensive strategy. 6’8 with a 6’11 wingspan, Finney-Smith has developed into a consistent perimeter shooting threat, over 42 percent from three-point range last season, while creating mismatches with his size and athletic ability. Finney-Smith has good size for the small forward position, though he will also play the 4 for the Gators. His shooting motion has become much smoother off the catch, with a high, quick release, and range near the NBA three-point line. While not a very good ballhandler, Finney-Smith is competent enough to take advantage of wide driving lanes to get to the basket, and he is one of the best finishers in college basketball. Also, because of his shooting ability, he is able to draw defenders out with a shot fake, giving him the space he needs to attack the basket. Though not used often, he can be a good option in pick-and-pop and pick-and-roll sets, setting good screens, and opening up quickly down the lane, or getting set behind the arc for an open long-range look. Finney-Smith also has some ability to post-up, though he doesn’t have great touch around basket, and he gives up on scoring chances easily if his first move isn’t there, but he is much more perimeter-oriented now, so it’s not an issue often. As mentioned, Finney-Smith’s shooting ability draws defenders out, and combined with a good shot-fake, he uses long strides to try and beat his man off the dribble. He is very right-hand dominant, so even if he takes a few dribbles to the basket with his left, he’ll usually make a spin move to bring it back to his right to shoot. As Finney-Smith has become more of a jump shooter, he doesn’t draw many fouls, and his improved shooting stroke hasn’t translated to the free throw line yet, where he shot below 60 percent last season. As with many who have played under Billy Donovan, Finney-Smith has a great understanding of floor spacing, and while not a great passer, he is capable of hitting open teammates on the perimeter in drive-and-kick situations, and is very good about making the extra pass to a teammate with a better shot. Finney-Smith is very good hitting the offensive boards, working hard to track the ball and beat players to the spots, and then using his quick leaping ability to get the ball. He’s also a threat to make a play on a missed shot from the perimeter, so defenders need to be mindful of him wherever he is on the floor. Defensively, Finney-Smith is above-average both in the post and on the perimeter, showing good footwork and lateral movement, plus the ability to guard multiple positions. He doesn’t have great speed, but he makes up for some of it by playing angles really well and having a good understanding of team defense. Finney-Smith’s length can be disruptive on the perimeter, and combined with his constant activity, he makes it dangerous to try and throw a pass through a passing lane he is near. Where Finney-Smith gets into trouble though is by trying to handle too much or cover too much ground, often forced by the Gators’ desire to trap the ball in different spots, and he ends up way out of position. While Finney-Smith can be a menace on the offensive boards, he doesn’t show the same determination on the defensive end, though with him defending on the perimeter more, it can be tough for him to be in position many times.

What he needs to show this season: Finney-Smith took a big step forward last year with his long-range shooting, but he will need to make sure that he doesn’t have a big drop-off this season. His bigger issue is working on his ballhandling, both in getting to the basket and creating space for his jumper. Right now, he needs a very open lane for him to make a dribble-drive move to the rim, and if there is any kind of defender around, he is at risk of being stripped. Defensively, Finney-Smith has a great understanding of what he needs to do, whether guarding the 3 or the 4, and not having to pick-up full court so much, or trap in various spots, should help him with some of his weak areas. He can improve his foot speed, to go with his good lateral movement and active hands. Also, Finney-Smith can do a better job on the defensive glass, using his strength and athletic ability to go as hard after those missed shots as he does on the offensive end.

Where he fits at the next level: Finney-Smith’s size, shooting ability, and defensive potential, all should give him a shot as a role player at the next level, though if he is going to play the small forward position, he will need to become a more reliable ballhandler. I don’t think defending at the pro level will give him too many problems, and I think he can provide some versatility with his skill set. An adjustment to a new coach this year could illuminate some other areas where Finney-Smith needs to improve, but the things he does well are what coaches look for often, so he will have his shot at the NBA level, and could stick in the right situation.

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