Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Finney-Smith would have been moved for a lot more than this at one time. In fact, that time was recent. Unfortunately, his shooting has slipped. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith offers little on offense if he’s not connecting from distance. Suppose he starts connecting from distance again.
Suddenly, we’re talking about a highly useful 3-and-D wing. That’s the gamble the Knicks are making here. If it doesn’t work out? Rose is out of their rotation anyway.
The Knicks are paying a minimal cost for a chance at a strong 3-and-D wing here. They’re a hot commodity in the NBA, after all. It doesn’t hurt that Finney-Smith is signed to a decent contract that would only be of greater value in a starting role.
What matters most for the Knicks in this scenario is that Finney-Smith can be an on-ball stopper. At 6-foot-7 with a strong frame and length, he can slide into a small ball center role when needed, switch onto just any perimeter matchup, and pull down defensive rebounds. Those are what tend to stand out the most.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, New York Knicks & Brooklyn Nets Updates
What may go under the radar when evaluating Finney-Smith’s defensive impact is what he can do in the game’s nuances when the observer isn’t seeing him directly guard the ball. He can be a versatile off-ball defense as a low-man or passing lanes threat. He’d elevate the Knicks’ defense.
