Rockets weigh starting choice between Jabari Smith Jr. and Dorian Finney-Smith

The Houston Rockets have Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, and Kevin Durant as their three mainstays. At point guard, Reed Sheppard is probably going to receive the default selection. Right now, Jabari Smith Jr. is probably the fifth starter, but that might change after Dorian Finney-Smith recovers from an injury. It is practically quantifiable if Smith Jr. has an instant edge over Finney-Smith. There would undoubtedly be benefits to starting the younger player. Smith Jr. still has potential, but Finney-Smith is a finished product.

With a wingspan of 6'11", the veteran wing is 6'7". With a wingspan of 7'1", Smith Jr. stands 6'10". For a Rockets club that will probably play a lot of zone defense, the additional height and length might be advantageous.