Magic release Grant

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ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 11 -- The Orlando Magic have waived forward Horace Grant, General Manager John Gabriel announced Wednesday night.
Originally selected in the first round (10th overall) of the 1987 NBA Draft by Chicago, Grant has appeared in 1,110 regular season games during his NBA career with the Bulls, Orlando, Seattle and the L.A. Lakers, averaging 11.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.01 steals and 1.00 blocks in 33.8 minuntes per game.

The 15-year-plus veteran also played in 170 career NBA playoff outings and was a member of four NBA championship teams (1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93 with Chicago, 2000-01 with L.A. Lakers). Grant earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors four times and played in the NBA All-Star Game in 1994.

"We are sorry to see Horace go, but honestly felt his contributions were limited," said Gabriel. "He's had a great career and has the championship rings to prove it. We wish him nothing but the best."

Added head coach Doc Rivers, "Horace has had a great run. Simply put, his body just won't let him do the things he use to do."

Grant (6'10", 245, 7/4/65) spent six-plus seasons with the Magic (1994-99, 2001-02), playing in 411 games. He ranks on the franchise's all-time list in games played (T-4th, 411), minutes (2nd, 14,230), points (7th, 4,638), field goals made (5th, 1,974), field goals attempted (6th, 3,932), free throws attempted (10th, 977), rebounds (3rd, 3,353), assists (7th, 879), steals (5th, 426) and blocked shots (3rd, 415). With Grant, Orlando captured two Atlantic Division titles (1994-95, 1995-96) and reached the 1995 NBA Finals.

Grant, 37, played in only five games this season for the Magic, averaging 5.2 ppg., 1.6 rpg. and 1.4 apg. in 17.0 minpg. He missed 17 games due to a sore left knee and missed one game due to back spasms. Grant

[Rens]

Too bad he had to go like this.. I doubt he'll be picked up as a player. Maybe assistant coach for the Bulls or something?

[Clinton]

They didn't really need him with Kemp, he is doing a great job. All the Magic wanted was a big body who could rebound and score in the post. Grant is just too old and too injury prone because of that. It is too bad that he had to be waived, and pretty much forced into retirement.

[Andrew]

This article from the Orlando Sentinel goes into a little more detail, mentioning problems with Doc Rivers, and the lead up to the move.

Personally, I think it's a bit of a classless move. Yes, the NBA is a business, but...well, it's kind of like Patrick Ewing starting against the Knicks last season. Traditionally, accomplished veterans are treated with respect and allowed to leave the game by their own means, sometimes to a standing ovation. Perhaps they could tried to negotiate a buyout again, rather than just cutting him.

Still, it's a business, and compassion doesn't always have a place in business. No matter how bad they look for waiving him or how foolish they may seem for insisting he return this season after he said 2001/2002 would be his last, only to waive him, ultimately they'll be judged on how they play this season.

[Andrew]

Mike Kahn has written a column on Grant's release as well, and mentions friction with Tracy McGrady, suggesting that it may be the chief cause for the unceremonious end to his career. You can read it here

[Defel]

Maybe they'll cut Horace out of T-Mac's Addidas (or whatever it is) commercial. That commercial is too long anyway.