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The National Basketball Association has changed a lot since Alonzo Mourning retired in 2009.
His professional career began in 1992, when Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls were running the show, and he hung up his shoes just before the players manning his position began shooting three-pointers at the same rate as Stephen Curry did early in his playing career.
Take Victor Wembanyama, for example. At nearly seven and a half feet tall, “Wemby” would have stayed on the block if he played during the Mourning timeline. But in today’s game, he has the ability to play as a point guard.
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Alonzo Mourning reacts after scoring the game-tying basket with less than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers. (Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images)
“He’s a talented kid, man. His potential is limitless, he’s had some eye-opening games already. Statistically crushing games already,” Mourning told PK Press Club Digital in a recent interview.
“Now it’s just about doing it consistently and potentially one day getting to that level or that conversation about being a world champion. That’s ultimately what it’s about here. Can he, and has he done it, and we all think he does just looking at what he offers the game, that he has the capabilities to take this franchise. [the San Antonio Spurs] return to the top of the mountain. That’s what Wemby is about. We’ve already seen what his skills can be, now it’s about winning championships. »
The style of play has changed immensely since the last Mourning game, and many members of Mourning’s generation believe this has been detrimental. But the Hall of Fame 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 great sell to the networks. Players are making more money than ever before. From a business standpoint, it’s good,” Mourning said.
“Just watching the Bulls in the 90s and the Michael Jordan documentary reminded me of some of the low scoring games of the era. The score was 89-78, a lot of really 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 game, more shooting threes. Analytically, teams tend to recruit more FGAs, especially on the side On the outside, once a team gets hot, especially shooting 40, 50 threes a game, Jesus Christ, you’re bound to score.
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, front 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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One thing Mourning vowed to carry over from his playing days was 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 giving underprivileged children access to support, mentoring, academic assistance, 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 United States and beyond.
“Paying it forward was something that was part of my DNA just because I’m here because of the contributions of so many other people. Coaches, teachers, family members and everything else to help me get to where I am. So I’m grateful for all of those people,” Mourning said. “It inspired me to make an impact in the community, the best I could do to develop affordable housing, my in-school and after-school summer programs and for inner-city kids, increase graduation rates, help kids and families in impoverished areas, meet their personal needs, it’s a byproduct of what I come from. I’m grateful, truly grateful and grateful for this 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 Miami Arena in Miami. (Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images)
A Miami Heat legend, Mourning currently serves as the franchise’s Vice President of Programs and Player Development, ensuring the next generation of Heat players follow in his footsteps by giving back.
“We introduce young people, the Miami Heat does a great job exposing our young talent to opportunities in the community. So we’re 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 are excited to give back, you know, and the rest is history.”
