The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t exactly lit up the league this year, especially after acquiring All-Star guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. But if they manage to snag Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets, they can get their ace defender and have a better record next season.
Apr 6, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) dribbles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
During the 2022-23 campaign, the Bucks boasted a top-four defense in the league. Back then, the team had Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen minding the wing, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez handling the interior. This allowed Milwaukee to lock down any opponent and limit their offensive capability on the court.
Mar 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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Things changed this season when they swapped Holiday for Lillard and they let Allen walk away. As a result, Malik Beasley was thrust into a role far from what he was used to and was forced to defend instead when playing next to Lillard.
This led Milwaukee’s defense to plummet to 19th place throughout the regular season. Things got worse during the playoffs as the Bucks lost Antetokounmpo before their first round showdown against the Indiana Pacers. Without his contribution on both offense and defense, the team exited the playoffs earlier than they anticipated.
Brooklyn Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith Projected To Be One of Milwaukee Bucks’ Trade Targets In Offseason
Mar 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Like Matisse Thubulle of the Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso, Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith may provide a much-needed defensive boost for Milwaukee next season. In an article written by Zach Buckley for Bleacher Report:
“Someone like Dorian Finney-Smith, or at least the best version of him. His three-ball has lost some luster the past two seasons (34.3 percent), but if he rediscovers his touch (38.9 percent over the three seasons prior), he could be a really valuable role player who works his way into the late-game rotation.
He would probably cost just about everything the Bucks have to offer, and there’s always some risk in busting open the piggy bank for a 30-plus non-star. Still, he checks some of the most important boxes for what you want from a support player alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard,” Buckley wrote.
During the regular season, Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points on almost 35 percent shooting from three, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. His size and mobility also allows him to switch on multiple opponents while spacing the floor on the other end of the court.
Mar 31, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) looks to pass during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
While he’ll surpass 30 years of age soon, Finney-Smith’s experience might come in handy for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks next season. Expect his name to be one of Milwaukee’s trade targets during the offseason this year.
Apr 6, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Taj Gibson (67) dribbles the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
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