Luc Longley: on Michael Jordan's "I'm back" and Chicago Bulls memories - AIR053

NBA History Conversations: Basketball Record

Episode • Mar 20, 2015 • 36m

Three-time Olympian / NBA Champion and Australia’s first ever NBA player, Luc Longley.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Michael Jordan's (first) NBA return. I'm delighted to welcome back Luc Longley to the podcast. We discuss his recollections of the hoopla surrounding MJ's return to the Chicago Bulls, following Jordan's 1993 retirement.

This conversation is much more than simply chatting about Jordan's comeback. We also delve deeper into Luc's career with the Bulls and reminisce about some of Chicago's memorable playoff series', versus:

- New York Knicks (1994: Toni Kukoc's game-winner and Scottie Pippen's monster dunk on Patrick Ewing)

- Orlando Magic (1995: Bulls' shock exit and Horace Grant's post-series celebration)

- Orlando Magic (1996: Chicago's four-game sweep and Luc's match-up against Shaquille O'Neal).

Further, I share my story about meeting Luc in 1991 and he talks fondly about the friendships he developed playing alongside memorable teammates, including Bill Cartwright, John Paxson and B.J. Armstrong. We find time to talk about his assistant coaching role with the Australian Boomers, the future of basketball in Australia and the importance of players like Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Dante Exum.

We also reference a great article that recently appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, titled, "Luc Longley - from running with the Chicago Bulls to falling in love with basketball again" (written by David Sygall). This is a really enjoyable chat.

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