John Long (basketball)
Encyclopedia
John Eddie Long is a retired American
professional basketball
player.
After starring at the University of Detroit
, the 6’5” (1.96 m) shooting guard
was selected by the Detroit Pistons
in the second round of the 1978 NBA Draft
. The move was largely influenced by Dick Vitale
, who coached Long at UD before going to the Pistons. He played eight seasons for the Pistons, and he averaged a career-high 21.9 points per game in 1981-82
. Long was the original backcourt partner to point guard Isiah Thomas
before Joe Dumars
was drafted.
After Dumars was named starter, Long later played for the Indiana Pacers
, where he was backed-up by a young Reggie Miller
before playing for the Atlanta Hawks
. After playing overseas and in the minor leagues for several years, Long signed with the Toronto Raptors
for one season, and he retired in 1997 with 12,131 career points. At the time, the 41-year-old Long was the oldest player in the NBA, and had begun his professional career a year before teammate Tracy McGrady
was born.
Two of John Long's nephews, Terry Mills
and Grant Long
, also played in the NBA. He is currently a radio analyst for the Pistons.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player.
After starring at the University of Detroit
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy is a private, Roman Catholic co-educational university in Detroit, Michigan, United States, affiliated with the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy. Antoine M. Garibaldi is the president. With origins dating from 1877, it is the largest Roman Catholic university...
, the 6’5” (1.96 m) shooting guard
Shooting guard
The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
was selected by the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
in the second round of the 1978 NBA Draft
1978 NBA Draft
The 1978 NBA Draft was the 32nd annual draft of the National Basketball Association . The draft was held on June 9, 1978, before the 1978–79 season. In this draft, 22 NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players...
. The move was largely influenced by Dick Vitale
Dick Vitale
Richard J. "Dick" Vitale , also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well-known as a college basketball broadcaster and for the enthusiastic and colorful remarks he makes during games. He is known for his...
, who coached Long at UD before going to the Pistons. He played eight seasons for the Pistons, and he averaged a career-high 21.9 points per game in 1981-82
1981-82 NBA season
-Statistics leaders:-NBA awards:*Most Valuable Player: Moses Malone, Houston Rockets*Rookie of the Year: Buck Williams, New Jersey Nets*Coach of the Year: Gene Shue, Washington Bullets*All-NBA First Team:**Larry Bird, Boston Celtics...
. Long was the original backcourt partner to point guard Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas
Isiah Lord Thomas III , nicknamed "Zeke",is the men's basketball coach for the FIU Golden Panthers, and a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association from 1981 until 1994. He led the "Bad Boys" to the NBA...
before Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars
Joe Dumars III , nicknamed Joe D, is a retired American basketball player in the NBA, and currently the Detroit Pistons' President of Basketball Operations....
was drafted.
After Dumars was named starter, Long later played for the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
, where he was backed-up by a young Reggie Miller
Reggie Miller
Reginald Wayne "Reggie" Miller is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire 18-year National Basketball Association career with the Indiana Pacers...
before playing for the Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
. After playing overseas and in the minor leagues for several years, Long signed with the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
for one season, and he retired in 1997 with 12,131 career points. At the time, the 41-year-old Long was the oldest player in the NBA, and had begun his professional career a year before teammate Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady
Tracy Lamar McGrady, Jr., is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons.Entering the league after graduating from high school, McGrady eventually became a seven-time All-Star. He led the league in scoring in 2003 and 2004. He has also played for the Toronto...
was born.
Two of John Long's nephews, Terry Mills
Terry Mills
Terry Richard Mills is a retired American professional basketball player at the power forward position.After a standout career at Romulus High School, Mills was named 1986 Mr. Basketball of Michigan...
and Grant Long
Grant Long
Grant Andrew Long is a retired American professional basketball player. He played over 1,000 NBA games over a 15-year career....
, also played in the NBA. He is currently a radio analyst for the Pistons.