Horace Grant is a former professional basketball player who is best known for his tenure with the Orlando Magic in the 1990s. He was born on July 4, 1965, in Augusta, Georgia. Grant attended college at Clemson University, where he played basketball for the Clemson Tigers. Grant was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 10th overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. He quickly made an impact in the league, averaging 7.7 points and 4.
7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his rookie season. Grant's athleticism, rebounding ability, and defensive skills made him a valuable asset to the Bulls, and he helped the team win three consecutive NBA championships from 1991 to 1993.
Grant Signs With Magic for $50 Million
The Orlando Magic on Wednesday re-signed free agent Horace Grant to a five-year contract and now await word from Shaquille O’Neal, who is being courted by the Lakers.
Sources close to the deal confirmed it was worth $50 million.
“When I came here two years ago, [Magic owner] Rich DeVos promised me I’d retire here and he’s kept his word,” Grant said. “Now it’s up to me to own up to my responsibility as a player and leader for this team and help them win a championship.”
Grant left the Chicago Bulls for the Magic as a free agent after the 1993-94 season. He averaged 12.8 points and 9.7 rebounds in his first season with the club, leading it to the NBA finals for the first time. Grant averaged 13.4 points and 9.2 rebounds for the Magic last season.
AdvertisementErvin Johnson, starting center for the Seattle SuperSonics last season, says he has agreed to a seven-year contract with the Denver Nuggets.
The SuperSonics renounced Johnson, a free agent, on Monday, apparently to go after free-agent Jim McIlvaine, also a center. The Seattle Times said the SuperSonics may offer the 7-foot-1 McIlvaine a seven-year, $35-million contract.
The Miami Heat made free-agent forward Juwon Howard one of the highest-paid athletes in the history of team sports by signing him to a seven-year deal reported to be worth somewhere between $98 million and $110 million.
“Fans have expectations, and fans are hungry for a win,” he said. “I’m a marked man right now. They look at me as one of those one hundred million-dollar guys that’s out there in the NBA.”
The Dallas Mavericks announced the addition of free-agent power forward Chris Gatling to a refurbished frontcourt that includes Eric Montross and first-round draft pick Samaki Walker.
Gatling averaged 11.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in part-time roles for Golden State and Miami last season. His contract reportedly is for five years at $21.4 million.
AdvertisementThe Portland Trail Blazers said nothing Wednesday about the reported acquisition of all-star point guard Kenny Anderson.
But a secretary for David Falk, Anderson’s agent, said Falk is leaving the country today and will be gone a month, indicating a deal is imminent.
ESPN reported Tuesday night that Anderson had agreed to a seven-year, $50-million contract with the Trail Blazers.
An NBA doctor has confirmed that Brad Daugherty’s lingering back problems won’t improve enough for him to resume his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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NBA Free-Agent Market
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Player: Chris Childs
95-96 Team: New Jersey
Comment: Signed with New York Knicks for 6 years, $24 million
Player: Antonio Davis
95-96 Team: Indiana
Comment: Re-signed with Pacers for 7 years, $38.5 million
Player: Dale Davis
95-96 Team: Indiana
Comment: Re-signed with Pacers for 7 years, $42 million
Player: Ghris Gatling
95-96 Team: Miami
Comment: Signed with Mavericks for 5 years, $22 million
Player: Horace Grant
95-96 Team: Orlando
Comment: Re-signed with Magic for five years, $50 million
Player: Allan Houston
95-96 Team: Detroit
Comment: Signed by New York Knicks for 7 years, $56 million
Player: Juwan Howard
95-96 Team: Washington
Comment: Signed with Miami Heat for 7 years, $98 million
Player: Michael Jordan
95-96 Team: Chicago
Comment: Re-signed with Bulls for 1 year, $30 million
Player: Don MacLean
95-96 Team: Denver
Comment: Signed with Philadelphia 76ers for 4 years, $12 million
Player: Tracy Murray
95-96 Team: Toronto
Comment: Signed with Washington Bullets, undisclosed
Player: Dikembe Mutombo
95-96 Team: Denver
Comment: Signed with Atlanta Hawks for 5 years, $50 million
Player: Gary Payton
95-96 Team: Seattle
Comment: Re-signed with SuperSonics for 7 years, $85 million
Player: Sam Perkins
95-96 Team: Seattle
Comment: Re-signed with SuperSonics for 2 years, undisclosed
Player: Brent Price
95-96 Team: Washington
Comment: Signed with Houston Rockets for 7 years, $18.2 million
Player: Sean Rooks
95-96 Team: Atlanta
Comment: Signed with the Lakers, undisclosed
ALL BUT WRAPPED UP
Player: Kenny Anderson
95-96 Team: Charlotte
Comment: Expected to sign with Portland for 7 years, $50 million
Player: Tim Hardaway
95-96 Team: Miami
Comment: Expected to re-sign with Heat
Player: Ervin Johnson
95-96 Team: Seattle
Comment: Agreed to terms with Denver for 7 years, undisclosed
Player: Reggie Miller
95-96 Team: Indiana
Comment: Expected to re-sign with Pacers
Player: Alonzo Mourning
95-96 Team: Miami
Comment: Agreed to terms with the Heat for 7 years, $122 million
Player: Steve Smith
95-96 Team: Atlanta
Comment: Expected to re-sign with Hawks
Player: John Stockton
Comment: Expected to re-sign with Jazz
STILL ON THE RACK
Player Team Pos. Hersey Hawkins Seattle Guard Derek Harper New York Guard Dan Majerle Cleveland Guard Robert Pack Washington Guard Latrell Sprewell Golden State Guard P.J. Brown New Jersey Forward Mario Elie Houston Forward Armon Gilliam New Jersey Forward Brian Grant Sacramento Forward Dennis Rodman Chicago Forward Otis Thorpe Detroit Forward Elden Campbell Lakers Center Jim McIlvane Washington Center Oliver Miller Toronto Center Shaquille O’Neal Orlando Center Brian Williams Clippers Center
But a secretary for David Falk, Anderson’s agent, said Falk is leaving the country today and will be gone a month, indicating a deal is imminent.
In 1994, Grant signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent. He joined a talented team that included Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, forming a formidable "big three". Grant's presence in the frontcourt provided the Magic with additional scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability. In his first season with the Magic, he averaged a career-high 15.1 points per game. Grant continued to play for the Magic until 1999, and he was a key contributor to the team's success during that time. He helped lead the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995, where they faced off against the Houston Rockets. Although the Magic ultimately lost in the finals, Grant's performance was highly praised, and he was seen as a crucial member of the team. Throughout his career, Grant was known for his durability and consistency. He rarely missed games due to injury and was known for his work ethic and professionalism. Grant played a total of 17 seasons in the NBA, also playing for the Seattle SuperSonics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons before retiring in 2004. After retiring from basketball, Grant has been involved in various ventures, including working as an ambassador for the NBA and appearing as a basketball analyst on television. He also co-authored a book titled "Horace Grant: The Winning Edge", which details his basketball journey and provides insight into his life both on and off the court. Overall, Horace Grant's time with the Orlando Magic was a significant chapter in his basketball career. His contributions to the team helped establish them as a championship contender and solidified his legacy as one of the top power forwards of his era. Grant's impact on the Magic and his success in the NBA continue to be remembered and appreciated by basketball fans worldwide..
Reviews for "Horace Grant and the Magic: A Match Made in Basketball Heaven"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Horace Grant Magic". The book promised to give an in-depth look into Horace Grant's career and his time with the Orlando Magic, but it fell short. The content felt rushed and lacked depth. I was hoping for more personal anecdotes and insights from Grant, but the book mostly just repeated information that was already known. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to avid sports fans.
2. John Smith - 1 star - I found "Horace Grant Magic" to be incredibly boring. The writing style was dry and lacked any sort of excitement or passion. The author seemed to have no real knowledge or understanding of Grant's career and his contributions to the Orlando Magic. The book felt more like a collection of basic stats and game recaps rather than an engaging biography. I couldn't even finish it because it was so dull. Save your money and skip this one.
3. Emma Thompson - 2 stars - As someone who is a fan of Horace Grant and the Orlando Magic, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing was subpar and the narrative lacked cohesiveness. There were also numerous grammatical errors throughout the book, which was quite distracting. Additionally, I wish there had been more focus on the behind-the-scenes moments and Grant's personal journey, rather than just the on-court achievements. Overall, it was a mediocre read that didn't do justice to Grant's legacy.