The 5 best draft picks in Miami Heat history
By Simon Smith
4. Grant Long (PF) – No. 33 pick in 1988 NBA Draft
Career stats (with the Heat): 472 GP, 11.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.0 TOV, 47.8 FG%, 76.8 FT%
Long was the definition of the old-school, low post bruiser of the 80’s and 90’s in the NBA. Despite standing at just 6-foot-8, Long’s determination and deceptive quickness resulted in him becoming a regular starting forward during the prime years of his career. This is even more commendable considering he was taken in the second round of the 1988 draft coming out of Eastern Michigan.
In many ways, Long was the original Udonis Haslem within the organisation – a model of consistency whose sublime work ethic was an example to all around him. His most outstanding season with the Heat was in 1991-92, averaging 14.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 37.4 minutes per game. His season consisted of 26 double-double’s, which was also the Heat’s first trip to postseason in franchise history.
But despite Long’s value to the Heat over six full season’s, he became part of the aforementioned debacle of a deal that brought the team Kevin Willis. After leaving Miami, Long played a further nine seasons in the NBA, which included multiple trips to the playoffs as a member of the Atlanta Hawks and the Detroit Pistons.