Luc Longley kept Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls “calm” amid “uproar” according to NBA legend Horace Grant
Horace Grant has long seen former teammate Michael Jordan as the game’s GOAT. He’s no longer so sure.
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Luc Longley was the “calming” influence when “uproar” engulfed Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, so it was “disappointing” to see Last Dance producers fail to “shine the light” on the Australian star’s significant influence on Basketball’s Beatles.
Bulls great Horace Grant doesn’t beat around the bush when asked about Longley’s snubbing from Jordan’s award-winning documentary.
MJ’s team delivered a warts-and-all look at Chicago’s sixth championship campaign in 1997-98, but according to Grant, they missed the key piece that kept the star-studded Bulls locker room calm when frustrations emerged.
“So, when Luc didn’t get the light, shine and recognition that he deserved on the Last Dance documentary, it was very disappointing,” said Grant, who won four NBA championships, including three at the Bulls.
“If he didn’t play his role, the Bulls don’t win those championships because he did what he was supposed to do.
“Luc was that big centrepiece that blocked shots, rebounded and was that intimidation factor that we needed.”
Grant resonated with Longley’s poise and perspective under pressure, especially within Chicago’s ultra-competitive team.
Jordan demanded high standards of the Bulls, especially after a loss, and it often created tension within the playing group.
Grant credits Longley for helping the Chicago players see beyond a defeat or devastating moment.
“Luc would let you know that life is too short to be upset about certain things – and I love that about him,” he said.
“What Luc did for the Bulls can’t just resonate on points, rebounds and things of that nature.
“When the locker room was in uproar, Luc had that calming influence and you just calmed down when you talked to him.
“That’s why he was one of my best teammates.
“Luc and I used to go out to dinner together after games and we’d talk about the American and Australian cultures.
“One of the most humble, gentle humans that you ever want to meet.
“That’s why we are still close to this very day and we are kindred spirits.”
Grant’s long-dating link to Longley is why he is coming to Australia in February as part of the, “No Bull Tour” speaking tour.
He will join Longley and former Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen for appearances in Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.
The tour came about via Grant’s connections to Australia. His nephew, Jerai, played 28 NBL games for the Sydney Kings in the 2011-12 season.
Grant has kept in contact with former Kings officials – so when Pippen enjoyed his recent trip to Australia, he thought he’d also return.
“Luc is already here and all of a sudden the idea of a speaking tour just came together,” he said.
“And believe me, it’s going to be such a great show.”
LEBRON v. JORDAN
Grant has long placed former teammate Michael Jordan at the top of the hoops mountain as the game’s GOAT.
Jordan’s standing is difficult to dispute given he was voted the Finals MVP in all six of his championships with Chicago.
According to Grant, though, LeBron James will be in the GOAT discussion alongside “MJ” when he retires.
James has only won four championships, but he also collected the Finals MVP in all four of his titles.
Add in his incredible durability – currently playing in his 21st NBA season – and Grant believes the man nicknamed the ‘King’ is right in the mix for the game’s greatest alongside Jordan.
“Absolutely, LeBron should be in the conversation,” he said.
“I’ve always said Michael is the best player, but as you get older you keep looking at LeBron at 39 and doing all of this.
“Scoring, rebounding, assists and Finals.
“So, it’s like this, when LeBron retires, then we can have the conversation.
“LeBron’s longevity at 39 and still playing at a top level is remarkable.
“I remember when I was the same age and I could barely get up and down the court, let alone dunking.”
MOST FEARED RIVAL
Grant didn’t scare easily standing at 208cm and 111kg, but there was one player who kept him sleepless at night.
“I would definitely say Hakeem Olajuwon,” Grant said about Olajuwon, the legendary Houston Rockets big man, who was the No. 1 draft pick in 1984 and went on to win consecutive championships with the Rockets in 1994 and 1995.
“He was about seven-foot, but he had the footwork of a dancer.
“He had the physicality of a body builder and he had the intellect and IQ out there on the floor like Albert Einstein.
“I mean, all of that combined would keep you up at night and he certainly did.”
ICONIC GLASSES
Wearing glasses had never been considered cool until Grant donned his goggles and they became his signature and an NBA icon during the 1990s.
The big man was diagnosed with short-sightedness, prompting him to wear goggles fitted with prescription lenses from the 1990-91 season with the Bulls.
Grant eventually received laser surgery to correct his eyesight, but he continued to wear the goggles after hearing they had become an inspiration for kids being bullied.
“I’ve had parents, fathers, mothers and grandparents come up to me and say because of you wearing the goggles, my son, daughter or grandchild doesn’t get bullied anymore and thank you,” he said.
“Things like that just breaks my heart because no one should get bullied in any part of their lives, but especially when it comes to kids.
“When the kids saw me wearing the goggles they thought it was cool and they wouldn’t get picked on or bullied anymore.
“They’d say Horace Grant plays for the Bulls and he helped them win three championships, so the goggles are cool.
“It was endearing.”
Originally published as Luc Longley kept Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls “calm” amid “uproar” according to NBA legend Horace Grant
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