He possessed all the traits of a Heat player: proactive, relentless, tough, diligent. At the same time, he also had exceptional talent. With outstanding arm length, robust athleticism, and a decent touch.
Pat Riley saw him as a cornerstone for the team, treating the center from Georgetown University as a Patrick Ewing-esque leader.
At his peak, Mourning lived up to such responsibility. You could mock him for touching All-Defense First Team only twice, All-NBA First Team once, and Second Team once throughout his career, but he would proudly tell you that those were the result of his blood and sweat during an era dominated by monstrous frontcourts, and with his kidneys failing.
Mourning's big venture truly fired up the Heat fans, as Billy Owens picked up the basketball and launched a long pass to find the 185-centimeter-tall, lightning-fast Bimbo Coles. Billy Owens was initially spotted by Old Neil for his beautiful passing as a forward.