Grant Long is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for over a decade. He was born on March 12, 1966, in Romulus, Michigan, and attended Eastern Michigan University, where he played college basketball.
Long was selected by the Miami Heat in the second round of the 1988 NBA draft. He played for the Heat for six seasons, from 1988 to 1994, and was known for his toughness and physical play. He was a versatile player who could play both forward positions and was a solid rebounder and defender.
In 1994, Long was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, where he played for four seasons. He continued to be a valuable role player for the Hawks, providing toughness and energy off the bench. He was also known for his durability, as he played in all 82 games in three of his four seasons with the Hawks.
After his time with the Hawks, Long played for several other teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Vancouver Grizzlies, Boston Celtics, and the Miami Heat again. He played his final NBA season with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2003.
Throughout his career, Long was known for his work ethic and professionalism. He was a reliable player who could be counted on to give his best effort every game. He was also a good teammate and was respected by his peers for his leadership and positive attitude.
Long's career statistics are solid but not spectacular. He averaged 9.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game over his 15-year career. However, his impact on the court went beyond the box score, as he was often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best player and setting screens to free up his teammates for scoring opportunities.
After retiring from the NBA, Long worked as a television analyst for the Miami Heat and also served as an assistant coach for the Heat's NBA G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
In conclusion, Grant Long had a long and successful career in the NBA, playing for several teams over 15 seasons. He was known for his toughness, durability, and professionalism, and was a valuable role player for every team he played for. While he may not have been a superstar, he was a solid contributor who made a positive impact on every team he played for.
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