Dorian Finney-Smith's Salute: A Gesture of Respect and Resilience
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 classically military, symbolizing duty, respect, and camaraderie. For Finney-Smith, it seems to represent a commitment to his role as a selfless defender—someone willing to do the dirty work, put his body on the line, and protect the team at all costs.
Is it a message to a coach, a parent, a friend in the military, or even a nod to his own disciplined upbringing? While he hasn’t explicitly explained the gesture, its consistency suggests it means something significant to him.
The Underdog Who Never Quit
Early Struggles and Drive
Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Finney-Smith faced a series of personal and professional challenges early in life. He wasn’t always on the radar. He wasn’t the high-school superstar destined for greatness. Yet, his grit and determination led him to a successful college career, where his work ethic set him apart.
Going Undrafted in 2016
Despite strong performances at the University of Florida, he went undrafted in 2016. That could have been the end of the story—but not for Dorian. Instead of fading into obscurity, he seized his opportunity with the Dallas Mavericks. Not with flash, but with effort.
Building His Reputation
From the start, Finney-Smith focused on defense, rebounding, hustle, and perimeter shooting. He became the definition of a glue guy—someone who holds the team together without needing the spotlight. The salute, in this context, reflects that same attitude. No need for dramatic celebrations. Just acknowledgment of the battle he’s fighting on every possession.
Memorable On-Court Moments
Standout Defensive Stops
Throughout his career, Finney-Smith has recorded countless charges, steals, and defensive plays that shift momentum. Each time he rises off the floor and salutes, it punctuates a moment not just of physical toughness, but of mental clarity. It says, “I'm here. I'm locked in.”
Key Playoff Performances
During playoff runs, especially when matched up against elite scorers, Finney-Smith has answered the call with critical stops and corner threes. Those are moments where salutes after charges feel earned—not just as basketball plays but as emotional triggers for the entire team.
The Salute After the Charge
When he takes a hit and draws a charge, the crowd erupts. But the salute is almost quiet in contrast—like he’s acknowledging something more internal. It’s not for the cameras. It’s not for a highlight reel. It’s for something—or someone—else.
Cultural and Emotional Layers
A Message Without Words
NBA players rarely do anything on the court by accident. Whether it’s LeBron pointing to the sky or Steph Curry chewing on his mouthguard, everything is part of their rhythm. For Finney-Smith, the salute is rhythmic, deliberate, and intentional. It may be a message to a parent, friend, coach, or even a tribute to his own perseverance.
Fan Interpretations
Fans love stories they can believe in, and Finney-Smith's salute has sparked debates on social media and in sports circles. Some believe it’s a nod to the military. Others think it’s a private gesture to a loved one. And some just appreciate it as a respectful celebration—a quiet acknowledgment of a job well done.
A Gesture That Sets Him Apart
What It Says About Finney-Smith
The NBA is filled with explosive scorers, high-flying dunkers, and trash-talkers. But Finney-Smith brings something different. His salute after a charge isn't brash or loud. It’s calculated. Grounded. Humble. And it fits his persona perfectly.
It tells you who he is: someone who respects the game, respects his role, and respects the people who helped him get here.
Impact on Teammates
Players feed off energy, and gestures like Finney-Smith’s salute carry emotional weight. When a teammate sees that kind of passion and commitment, it’s contagious. It raises the team’s intensity. It builds chemistry. It becomes part of the locker room culture.
Elevating His Legacy
While he may never lead the league in scoring or become a face of the franchise, Finney-Smith’s unique presence and humble strength make him memorable. The salute has become his signature—not for what it shows externally, but for what it reveals about his inner drive.
The Power of Small Rituals in Sports
Emotional Anchors
In professional sports, consistency and mental clarity are just as important as talent. Small rituals like salutes, nods, or hand signals serve as emotional anchors. They ground players, help them reset, and let them silently communicate with their past, their people, or their purpose.
Personal Meaning in Public Spaces
The beauty of Finney-Smith’s gesture is that its full meaning remains unknown—and that’s okay. It makes the act more intimate and authentic. In a sport where so much is broadcast and analyzed, sometimes the most powerful statements are the quietest.
What's Next for Finney-Smith?
Role with the Lakers
Now with the Lakers, Finney-Smith has found a fresh platform to showcase his defensive grit and team-first mentality. As the Lakers push through the season, his ability to shift momentum with plays like charges—and his signature salute—will be more important than ever.
Leadership and Legacy
Younger players often look for leaders who let their effort speak louder than their words. Finney-Smith fits that mold. His actions on the court, especially gestures like the salute, set a tone of professionalism and respect.
Will He Reveal the Meaning?
Whether he ever publicly explains the salute or not, it has already carved its place in NBA culture. It will be remembered as part of his identity—part of what made him a quiet force in the league.
Conclusion
Dorian Finney-Smith’s salute after a charge may seem like a small act in a game filled with bigger moments. But it’s those small acts that often carry the most meaning. In a world of highlight dunks and viral celebrations, Finney-Smith chooses something more understated, more intentional.
It’s not just a salute to the crowd. It’s not just a celebration. It’s a reflection of who he is—a disciplined, selfless, and resilient player who understands the value of every possession and every opportunity.
And whether it’s a message to a loved one, a personal ritual, or a quiet tribute to the journey he's taken, one thing is clear: Dorian Finney-Smith’s salute says more than words ever could.