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The National Basketball Association has changed a lot since Alonzo Mourning retired in 2009.
His professional career began in 1992 while Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were running the show, and he hung up his cleats just before players playing his position began shooting 3-pointers at the same rate Stephen Curry did early in his playing days.
Take Victor Wembanyama as an example. At almost seven and a half feet tall, “Wemby” would have been left on the block had he played during Mourning’s timeline. But in today’s game, he has the ability to play point guard.
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Alonzo Mourning reacts to making the tying basket with less than 30 seconds left during fourth quarter action of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers. (Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images)
“He’s a talented kid, man. The sky is the limit for his potential, he’s already had some eye-opening games. Some overwhelming statistical games,” Mourning told Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview.
“Now it’s just about doing it consistently and potentially one day getting to that level or that conversation of being a world champion. Ultimately, that’s what it’s about. Can he, and has he, and we all think he does just by looking at what he brings to the game, that he has the ability to carry that franchise? [the San Antonio Spurs] back to the top of the mountain. That’s what Wemby is all about. “We’ve seen what his abilities can be, now it’s about winning championships.”
The style of play has changed immensely since Mourning’s last match, and many members of Mourning’s generation believe it has been detrimental. But the Hall of Famer disagrees.
“The basketball revolution has been good for the game. The game has grown, we’re scoring more points… It’s entertaining and it’s been a big sell for the networks. Players are making more money than ever. When you look at it from a business perspective, it’s good,” Mourning said.
“Just watching the Bulls in the ’90s and the Michael Jordan documentary, it reminded me of some of the low-scoring games of that era. The score was 89-78, a lot of very good defense was played, very physical games, it wasn’t easy to score. That part of basketball is gone. The game is called differently, faster, more three-pointers are shot. Analytically, teams are leaning more toward getting more FGAs, especially from the outside. Once a team gets hot, especially shooting “40 or 50 three-pointers a game, my God, you’re bound to score.”
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, left, shoots against Brooklyn Nets forward Noah Clowney (21) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)
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However, one thing Mourning has been committed to maintaining in his playing days is his commitment to giving back to the community. Mourning co-founded his own family foundation in 1997 and six years later founded the Overtown Youth Center in Miami, a community center dedicated to providing underprivileged children access to support, tutoring, academic help, after-school programs and enrichment opportunities.
This weekend, Mourning will receive the Mia Hamm Service Award at Athletes for Hope’s “Play for Good” gala in Washington, DC. The award honors an elite athlete who embodies the former soccer star’s commitment to using his global platform to help others in need in the U.S. and beyond.
“Giving back was something that was part of my DNA just because I’m here because of the contributions of a lot of other people. Coaches, teachers, family and whatever help me get to where I am. So I’m grateful for all those people,” Mourning said. “That has inspired me to make an impact in the community, the best I can do to develop affordable housing, my programs for summer in-school, after-school and inner-city kids programs, increasing graduation rates, helping children and families in impoverished areas address their personal needs, is a byproduct of where I come from. I am grateful, truly grateful and grateful for the opportunity.”
Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning (33) battles for position with Vince Carter (15) and Antonio Davis of the Toronto Raptors during first-half action in March 2001 at the Miami Arena in Miami. (Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images)
Mourning, a Miami Heat legend, is currently the franchise’s vice president of programs and player development, ensuring the next generation of Heat players follow in his footsteps and give back.
“We introduce young people, the Miami Heat does a great job of exposing our young talent to opportunities in the community. So we are very active as an organization in the community. We include the players, they see how important it is, and from there, good things happen,” Mourning said. “These guys get excited about the idea of giving back, you know, and the rest is history.”
