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The National Basketball Association has changed a lot since Alonzo Mourning retired in 2009.
His professional career began in 1992 with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls running the show, and he hung up just before players playing his position began shooting three-pointers at the same rate Stephen Curry did early in his playing days.
Take Victor Wembanyama, for example. At nearly seven and a half feet tall, “Wemby” would have stayed on the block if he played during Mourning’s timeline. But in today’s game, he has the ability to play as a point guard.
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Alonzo Mourning reacts to making the tying basket with under 30 seconds left during fourth quarter action in their game against the Philadelphia 76ers. (Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images)
“He’s a talented kid, man. The sky’s the limit for his potential, he’s had some eye-opening games already. Some mind-blowing statistical games already,” Mourning told Pakinomist Digital in a recent interview.
“Now it’s just about doing it consistently and potentially one day getting into that level or that conversation to be a world champion. That’s ultimately what it’s all about right there. Can he, and has he, and we all think he does, just looking at what he brings to the game, that he has the skills to take that franchise [the San Antonio Spurs] back to the mountain top again. That’s what Wemby is all about. We’ve already seen what his skills can be, now it’s about winning championships.”
The style of play has changed enormously since Mourning’s last game, and many of Mourning’s generation believe that has been a disadvantage. But the Hall of Famer disagrees.
“The revolution of basketball 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 for networks. Players are making more money than ever before. When you look at it from a business perspective, it’s good,” Mourning said.
“Just watching the Bulls back in the ’90s and the Michael Jordan documentary, it reminded me of some of the low-scoring games back then. The score was 89-78, a lot of really good defense played, very physical games, not easy to score. That part of basketball is gone. The game is called different, more three-tempo games, more up-tempo teams, more against three-tempo. coming up with more FGAs, especially from the outside, when a teams get hot, especially if you shoot 40, 50 threes a game, Jesus Christ, you’ve got 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 has vowed to keep from his playing days, however, 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 with access to support, mentorship, academic assistance, after-school programs and enrichment opportunities.
This weekend, Mourning will be presented with 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.
“Giving back was something that was part of my DNA simply because I’m here because of the contributions of so many other people. Coaches, teachers, family members and what have you to help me get to where I am. So I’m thankful for all those people,” Mourning said. “It’s inspired me to have an impact on the community, the best I could do to develop affordable housing, my programs for in-school, after-school summer programs and for inner-city kids, increasing graduation rates, helping kids and families in impoverished areas, addressing their personal needs, it’s a byproduct of where I came from. I’m thankful 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 Miami Arena in Miami. (Rhona Wise/AFP via Getty Images)
A Miami Heat legend, Mourning is currently the franchise’s vice president of player programs and development, ensuring the next generation of Heat players follow in his footsteps of giving back.
“We introduce the young guys, the Miami Heat do a great job of 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 get happy to give back, you know, and the rest is history.”
