The name Alonzo Mourning might strike a bell with older NBA fans. As some of us might be aware, Mourning is a former NBA player who spent 15 seasons in the NBA. He is listed as 6’10 and played both the power forward and center positions throughout his career.
One could argue that the best of Mourning’s career was spent with the Miami Heat. After all, he played there for a full 11 seasons with the franchise. In fact, he even went on to serve as vice president of player programs and development with the organization after his time as a player ended.
However, none of that answers the question that fans use as the yardstick to determine how good or successful a player has been throughout their career. With that being said, let us find out more about Mourning and whether he was able to win a coveted NBA championship.
Alonzo Mourning won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006
It turns out that Mourning was able to win a title before the end of his career. To those who do not know, Alonzo played in the league from 1992-2008. During that time span, he also managed to win the Defensive Player of the Year award and make the All-NBA defensive team.
Mourning made his career on the defensive end, something that is almost nonexistent among players in today’s NBA. His style of basketball was a perfect fit with the Miami Heat since they were a team who considered defense a calling card. Throughout his career, Alonzo averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
Unfortunately, these numbers don’t indicate what he brings to the floor on the defensive end. During some of his best years with the Heat, he averaged a ridiculous 3.9 blocks and was a lethal force to get by for the opposition. Although he was in the backend of his career at the time, Mourning managed to win a championship in 2006.
Some fans might remember the context across the league back then. The Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal Lakers dynasty had fallen apart. Moreover, O’Neal had taken his talents to Miami in order to play alongside D-Wade and Mourning.
There was imminent pressure on the team to win a title since Shaq was slowly but surely approaching the backend of his prime. Thanks to the help of Mourning and the other supporting cast, the Miami Heat managed to beat the Dallas Mavericks in 6 games and won the title in 2006.
