Longley collected three NBA championships with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, however he has at all times felt just like the unassuming employee who was in the best place on the proper time.
It’s why the Australian hoops pioneer feels such a robust private connection and admiration for this yr’s NBA Finals groups, Miami and Denver.
Both the Heat and Nuggets have largely assembled their rosters by growing expertise, versus counting on the chequebook.
Longley hopes Miami and Denver can set a precedent for different NBA groups to place tradition earlier than the short greenback when constructing sustained success.
“I’m so excited about this playoff series because neither of these teams have done an LA Lakers and tried to buy a championship team,” Longley stated.
“Denver has built it from the ground up, drafted smartly and developed talent.
“And I know (Jimmy) Butler has been in Miami for a couple of years, but they’ve built that team around undrafted guys.
“Both teams pride themselves on not complaining to the refs and not being d***heads on the court.
“They are all playing such a hard-nosed, honest style of basketball that is refreshing because there are so many teams in the NBA or in the world that don’t play that way.
“So, for these two teams to have done it that way and both be in the NBA Finals, hopefully it sets a trend.”
Denver dominated Miami to file a snug 104-93 Game 1 victory, however Longley expects the Heat to reply in Game 2.
He believes the boys from South Beach have been flat within the opening sport coming off a seven-game collection in opposition to the Boston Celtics.
Longley is assured Miami possess the psychological toughness and training by way of Erik Spoelstra to hit again and degree the collection at 1-all.
“I think the Heat will win Game 2 – and that isn’t just wishful thinking,” he stated.
“I think they can make the adjustments. They are resilient, really well coached.
“Denver will be feeling pretty good about themselves right now and we know that no matter what you say that is a factor.
“So, I do give Miami a hope.
“They thought that (game 1) they couldn’t buy a bucket because they were tired and their defence needs to be a lot better, but they’ve shown that it can be.
“They can change the defence and if they can hit shots. They lost by 11 and it could have been 20 but it wasn’t a blowout.
“It could have been a lot worse.”
Longley is at the moment touring the nation to unveil his Aussie Legends Range with the NBA.
The Longley vary is a group of versatile necessities for any basketball or street-style fan, developed in collaboration with Philadelphia-based clothes firm Mitchell and Ness Nostalgia Co.
The Australian basketball nice feels blessed to be acknowledged together with his personal clothes and merchandise vary.
“When I was playing, we weren’t doing Luc Longley T-shirts, we were doing everybody else,” he stated.
“So, for the NBA to recognise that moment in time in basketball, and for me to be involved, I’m flattered and proud.”
Game 2 of the NBA Finals between Miami and Denver will tip-off on Monday from 10am (AEST).
Originally revealed as Aussie hoops royalty Luc Longley hopes NBA Finals groups set precedent for sustained success
Source: www.news.com.au
