Australian basketball legend Luc Longley has long considered himself a champion for the underdog – and in that vein he is tipping the Miami Heat to bounce back and beat the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
Longley collected three NBA championships with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, but he has always felt like the unassuming worker who was in the right place at the right time.
It’s why the Australian hoops pioneer feels such a powerful personal connection and admiration for this year’s NBA Finals teams, Miami and Denver.
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Both the Heat and Nuggets have largely assembled their rosters through developing talent, as opposed to relying on the chequebook.
Longley hopes Miami and Denver can set a precedent for other NBA teams to put culture before the quick dollar when building 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 said.
“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 record a comfortable 104-93 Game 1 victory, but Longley expects the Heat to respond in Game 2.
He believes the men from South Beach were flat in the opening game coming off a seven-game series against the Boston Celtics.
Longley is confident Miami possess the mental toughness and coaching via Erik Spoelstra to hit back and level the series at 1-all.
“I think the Heat will win Game 2 – and that isn’t just wishful thinking,” he said.
“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 currently touring the nation to unveil his Aussie Legends Range with the NBA.
The Longley range is a collection of versatile essentials for any basketball or street-style fan, developed in collaboration with Philadelphia-based clothing company Mitchell and Ness Nostalgia Co.
The Australian basketball great feels blessed to be acknowledged with his own clothing and merchandise range.
“When I was playing, we weren’t doing Luc Longley T-shirts, we were doing everybody else,” he said.
“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).
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