Dorian Finney-Smith's Salute: A Gesture of Respect and Resilience

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In the high-octane world of the NBA, where every move is magnified and every gesture dissected, players often display signature behaviors that carry deeper meanings. One of the most intriguing among them is Dorian Finney-Smith's salute after taking a charge. To some, it's just a reaction. To others, it’s a message. But to those who know the heart of the game, it’s a story waiting to be told. This article explores whether Finney-Smith’s now-famous salute is simply a celebratory habit, a tribute to someone meaningful, or a personal ritual fueled by his unique journey in the NBA. The Salute: A Symbolic Gesture What Fans Are Seeing When Dorian Finney-Smith plants himself in the paint, absorbs a hit, and falls to the hardwood, fans have come to expect what happens next—he gets up, taps his chest, and offers a quick salute. It’s not showboating. It’s not defiance. It’s something more grounded, personal, and consistent. Meaning Beyond the Moment The salute gesture is classicall...

Pascal Siakam’s Insane Rise in the NBA! 📈🏀

 



Introduction: From Unknown to NBA Superstar

Pascal Siakam’s journey to NBA stardom is one of the most remarkable success stories in basketball history. From growing up in Cameroon with little exposure to organized basketball to becoming an NBA champion and multiple-time All-Star, Siakam’s rise has been nothing short of incredible.

Many NBA superstars are identified as future pros at a young age, but Siakam’s story is different. He didn’t pick up basketball seriously until his late teens, and through sheer hard work, athleticism, and relentless improvement, he became one of the most versatile forwards in the game today.

This article breaks down Siakam’s insane journey, key milestones, famous performances, and how he became one of the most dominant power forwards in the NBA.

🏀 Early Life & Unexpected Basketball Beginnings

Unlike many NBA players who are trained from childhood, Siakam was originally focused on becoming a priest in Cameroon. His father valued education, and basketball was never the plan. However, his athletic potential caught the attention of scouts at Basketball Without Borders, and he was invited to a camp in South Africa.

🚀 Key Early Moments in Siakam’s Basketball Journey:
✅ 2012 – Attended a Basketball Without Borders camp in South Africa.
✅ 2013 – Moved to the U.S. to train at a basketball academy in Texas.
✅ 2014-2016 – Played college basketball at New Mexico State.
✅ 2016 – Declared for the NBA Draft after winning WAC Player of the Year.

📈 The NBA Draft: A Hidden Gem (2016)

Siakam wasn’t a household name coming into the 2016 NBA Draft, but the Toronto Raptors saw something special. They took a chance on him with the 27th overall pick, believing in his athleticism, motor, and potential.

🔥 Why the Raptors Took a Chance on Siakam:
✅ High energy and defensive potential
✅ Relentless work ethic
✅ Incredible length & athleticism
✅ Room to develop his offensive game

At the time, many analysts doubted that Siakam would ever become an offensive star. He proved them all wrong.

📊 Siakam’s NBA Career Breakthrough

Siakam started his NBA career as a defensive specialist with limited offensive skills. However, he put in the work, and within just a few seasons, he transformed into an elite offensive weapon.

Here’s a breakdown of Siakam’s rise season by season:

Siakam’s growth has been phenomenal—going from a defensive role player to the Raptors’ franchise cornerstone.

🏆 Siakam’s Greatest Moments in the NBA

🔥 2019 NBA Finals – The 32-Point Explosion vs. Warriors

📍 Game 1 of the NBA Finals
📍 32 Points | 14-17 FG | 8 Rebounds
📍 Led Raptors to their first-ever Finals win!

Siakam was unstoppable, outplaying the Warriors’ defense and proving that he was a true star on the biggest stage.

🔥 44-Point Career High vs. Wizards (2022)

📍 44 Points | 11 Rebounds | 7 Assists
📍 Efficient scoring from all areas of the floor
📍 One of the best performances in Raptors history

Siakam’s ability to dominate as a scorer and playmaker was on full display.

🔥 First Career Triple-Double (2021)

📍 22 Points | 13 Rebounds | 10 Assists
📍 Showed his versatility as a complete player

These performances cemented Siakam as one of the NBA’s best all-around forwards.

🚀 What Makes Siakam So Special?

Siakam’s game is unique because of his versatility, skill set, and nonstop motor.

🔥 Key Strengths That Make Siakam Elite:
✅ Deadly Spin Move – His signature move confuses defenders.
✅ Improved Three-Point Shooting – Went from a non-shooter to a solid perimeter threat.
✅ Defensive Prowess – Can guard multiple positions.
✅ Elite Transition Player – One of the best in fast-break situations.
✅ Leadership & Work Ethic – Always improving and setting an example.

🔮 What’s Next for Siakam?

Siakam is still in his prime, and his ceiling is even higher. Here’s what’s next:

✅ Another NBA Championship? – Can he lead the Raptors back to glory?
✅ MVP Consideration? – If he continues improving, he could be in the conversation.
✅ More All-NBA Selections? – His all-around game keeps getting better.

There’s no limit to what Siakam can achieve, and his insane rise proves that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

💬 What’s YOUR favorite Pascal Siakam moment? Drop it in the comments below! 👇🔥🏀

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