Horace Grant

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Grant's journey began in Augusta, Georgia, where he grew up with his identical twin brother, Harvey. After attending Clemson University—where he became the first ACC player to lead the league in scoring, rebounding, and field goal shooting—he was drafted by Chicago in 1987. Initially backing up Charles Oakley, Grant moved into the starting lineup in 1988 following Oakley's trade for Bill Cartwright. He immediately established himself as the Bulls' third scoring option behind Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. His on-court identity became inseparable from his eyewear; diagnosed with myopia, he began wearing prescription goggles in the 1990–91 season. Even after receiving LASIK surgery, he kept them on to inspire children who wore glasses, turning a medical necessity into a trademark. Defensively, Grant was elite, earning four All-Defensive Team selections. He helped Chicago win three consecutive championships, securing the third title with a last-second block on Kevin Johnson. After Jordan's 1993 retirement, Grant stepped up as the number-two star behind Pippen. Despite career-best averages in scoring (15.1), rebounding (11.0), and assists (3.4) during the 1993–94 season, he led the Bulls to a seven-game second-round exit against the Knicks before departing for Orlando.

In Their Own Story

The 1991 NBA Finals featured a defining moment for Grant's legacy in Chicago. As the Bulls chased their first title against the Los Angeles Lakers, Grant's defensive intensity was critical. However, his most famous clutch play came during the 1993 Finals against the Phoenix Suns. With the series on the line and seconds ticking away, Grant secured the championship by blocking Kevin Johnson at the buzzer, a play that cemented the three-peat. Throughout these runs, he was recognized for his physicality and ability to guard multiple positions. After leaving Chicago as a free agent in 1994, Grant joined the Orlando Magic alongside Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. On May 5, 1995, he made history by sinking the final basket ever played at Boston Garden during a series-clinching victory over the Celtics. He guided the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals, though they were swept by Houston. His career continued with stints in Seattle and Los Angeles, where he reunited with O'Neal and Phil Jackson to win his fourth championship in 2001. After a brief return to Orlando ended acrimoniously in December 2002 when Coach Doc Rivers labeled him a "cancer," Grant briefly returned to the Lakers for the 2003–04 season before retiring permanently.

Reader's Guide

Horace Grant's tenure with the Chicago Bulls lasted from 1987 to 1994. During this era, he evolved from a backup power forward into an All-Star and championship-winning starter. His role was defined by versatility; standing 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), he could guard centers like Patrick Ewing while contributing significantly on offense as the team's third option. In the 1993–94 season, following Michael Jordan's initial retirement, Grant posted career highs across scoring (15.1 points), rebounding (11.0 rebounds), and assists (3.4) per game. Key to his success was his defensive discipline, earning him four NBA All-Defensive Team selections. He was a vital component of the "Big Three" alongside Jordan and Pippen, known for setting screens, boxing out with ferocity, and absorbing contact. His departure after 1994 marked the end of an era, but his impact remained evident in his three titles. Beyond his playing days, Grant has maintained ties to the franchise, serving as a Special Advisor to Michael Reinsdorf since 2016. He also served as an NBA Goodwill Ambassador starting in 2009.

Did You Know?

• Grant was the first player in ACC history to lead the league in scoring, rebounding, and field goal shooting.
• He continued wearing his signature goggles on the court even after LASIK surgery to serve as an inspiration to children who wore glasses.
• On May 5, 1995, Grant made the final basket in the history of Boston Garden while playing for Orlando against the Celtics.
• His identical twin brother, Harvey Grant, also played 11 seasons in the NBA.
• Three of his nephews (Jerai, Jerian, and Jerami) have all become professional basketball players.