Alonzo Mourning spent most of his playing days with the Heat, ultimately ending his career in Miami.
With over 5,000 players in NBA history, at least one player was born on every day of the calendar year – including three leap day ballers. Our day-by-day breakdown of the players born on each day of the year continues.
Below are the most notable NBA players born on FEB 8.
Alonzo Mourning (1970)
Mourning was the second overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting. He made his first of seven All-Star appearances in his sophomore season but only spent three years with the Hornets. He joined Miami in 1995 via a trade, spending 11 of his final 12 seasons with the Heat. The big man was known as one of the best defenders in the league during that era, taking down Defensive Player of the Year in 1998 and 1999. His first seven-year stint in Miami was the best period of Zo’s career, averaging 19.8 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.9 blocks per game.
Klay Thompson (1990)
Thompson was the 11th pick by the Warriors in the 2011 NBA Draft, spending the next 13 seasons in Golden State. He lost two of those to injuries, but Thompson helped them win four titles along the way. Thompson also made five All-Star appearances during that span and is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters of all time. The sharpshooter ranks fifth all-time in three-pointers made while participating in four Three-Point Contests throughout his career.
Marques Johnson (1956)
Johnson was selected third overall in the 1977 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, carving out a solid 10-year career. Johnson finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in his debut season, making his first of five career All-Star appearances in his second season. He also received MVP votes five times, establishing himself as one of the best wings of his era. Unfortunately, an injury in 1987 shortened his career, playing just 10 games over the next three seasons before retiring in 1990. Johnson averaged 20.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.3 steals in his 11-year career.
Want to see every NBA player born on February 8? Here is the rest of the list in chronological order:
- Warren Fenley (February 8, 1922)
- Donnie Butcher (February 8, 1936)
- Paul Long (February 8, 1944)
- Steve Chubin (February 8, 1944)
- Willie Allen (February 8, 1949)
- Jerry Eaves (February 8, 1959)
- Scooter McCray (February 8, 1960)
- Michael Ansley (February 8, 1967)
- Alexander Johnson (February 8, 1985)
- Thomas Gardner (February 8, 1985)
- JaJuan Johnson (February 8, 1989)
- Will Cherry (February 8, 1991)
- Gabriel Dick (February 8, 1995)
- Grant Riller (February 8, 1997)
- Rui Hachimura (February 8, 1998)
