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...

Tallest and Shortest Players in NBA History πŸ€πŸ“

 



The NBA is a league of giants, but not every player stands at 7 feet tall. While some of the tallest players in NBA history have used their height as an advantage, others have relied on skill, speed, and determination despite being much shorter than their competition.

Let’s take a look at the tallest and shortest players to ever step on an NBA court, their careers, and how they left a lasting impact on the game.

πŸ€ The Tallest Players in NBA History

The NBA has seen several players standing at least 7’6”! These players were dominant shot-blockers, rebounding machines, and intimidating defenders due to their sheer height.

πŸ”₯ 1️⃣ Gheorghe MureΘ™an (7'7") – The Tallest NBA Player Ever

πŸš€ Career Stats: 9.8 PPG | 6.4 RPG | 1.5 BPG
πŸ† NBA Most Improved Player (1996)

πŸ”΄ Impact:

  • Played for the Washington Bullets & New Jersey Nets
  • Known for his huge wingspan and defensive presence
  • Career was cut short due to injuries

πŸ”₯ 2️⃣ Manute Bol (7'7") – The Shot-Blocking King

πŸš€ Career Stats: 2.6 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 3.3 BPG
πŸ† 2x NBA Blocks Leader

πŸ”΄ Impact:

  • One of the best shot-blockers in NBA history πŸ€
  • Holds the record for most blocks per minute played
  • Played for the Washington Bullets, Warriors, Sixers & Heat

πŸ”₯ 3️⃣ Yao Ming (7'6") – The Global Icon πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³

πŸš€ Career Stats: 19.0 PPG | 9.2 RPG | 1.9 BPG
πŸ† 8x NBA All-Star

πŸ”΄ Impact:

  • The most successful international NBA player
  • Helped expand the NBA’s popularity in China 🌏
  • Dominated with the Houston Rockets before injuries ended his career

πŸ€ The Shortest Players in NBA History

Despite the NBA being full of tall players, some shorter players have defied expectations and proved that height isn’t everything.

πŸ”₯ 1️⃣ Muggsy Bogues (5'3") – The Shortest NBA Player Ever

πŸš€ Career Stats: 7.7 PPG | 7.6 APG | 1.5 SPG
πŸ† NBA Leader in Assists for Charlotte Hornets

πŸ”΄ Impact:

  • Played 14 seasons in the NBA
  • Used speed, court vision, and passing skills to compete
  • Proved that height doesn’t define success in basketball

πŸ”₯ 2️⃣ Earl Boykins (5'5") – The Mighty Guard

πŸš€ Career Stats: 8.9 PPG | 3.2 APG | 38.2% 3PT

πŸ”΄ Impact:

  • One of the best scoring short players in NBA history
  • Played for 10 NBA teams in his career
  • Used quickness and shooting ability to thrive

πŸ”₯ 3️⃣ Spud Webb (5'7") – The Dunking Sensation

πŸš€ Career Stats: 9.9 PPG | 5.3 APG | 48.2% FG
πŸ† 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Champion

πŸ”΄ Impact:

  • Became famous for winning the Dunk Contest despite his height
  • Played 13 seasons in the NBA
  • Inspired shorter players to chase their NBA dreams

πŸ€ Final Thoughts

Whether 7’7” or 5’3”, these players proved that basketball is about skill, not just height. From Muggsy Bogues running the offense to Yao Ming dominating the paint, height only tells part of the story in the NBA. πŸ€πŸ”₯

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