Former Chicago Bulls All-Star power forward and foundational member of the franchise’s first three-peat championship teams, Horace Grant, remains an iconic figure in the history of the sport. Known for his tenacious defense, signature goggles, and relentless effort, the 6-foot-10 Clemson alum logged 17 seasons in the NBA, seven of which were spent helping cement the Bulls’ dynasty from 1991-93. Grant’s era of play was characterized by intense physicality, predating the modern rules that limit hand-checking, requiring a brand of toughness he clearly prides himself on.
Now back with the organization he helped build, serving as a special advisor to COO and president Michael Reinsdorf, Grant’s loyalty to the Chicago Bulls is unwavering—even when they face a team employing his own flesh and blood. Grant’s nephew, Jerami Grant, has carved out a successful career of his own and currently operates as a potent 3-and-D combo forward for the Portland Trail Blazers. The younger Grant, who was born in Portland while his father (and Horace’s twin brother), Harvey Grant, was playing there, has developed into a high-scoring veteran.
In an interview with Alex Kirschenbaum of Newsweek, Horace Grant was candid about where his loyalties lie when the Bulls match up against his nephew’s team. Despite his deep familial pride, the former champion’s allegiance is squarely with the organization that drafted him and with whom he achieved his greatest success. When asked about watching his nephew play Chicago, Horace Grant was unequivocal about the outcome he desires.
“I would love for my nephew to have a great game,” Grant tells Newsweek. “But as far as winning, no, absolutely no way. If you ask him the same thing, he would say, ‘I want my uncle to have such a great game, but I want the Trail Blazers to win.’ So yeah, he can have a great game.” This playful, competitive spirit, he noted, is nothing new for the Grant family, stretching back to his and Harvey’s youth in Sparta, Georgia, when Horace rooted for the Boston Celtics while his twin was a devoted Philadelphia 76ers fan. Today, the competitive focus remains: Horace wants Jerami to succeed, just never at the expense of the Bulls.
The conversation naturally pivoted to a comparison of their respective games, given the 30-year span of NBA history separating their primes. Jerami Grant, a 6-foot-7 forward, epitomizes the modern NBA combo forward, with a game built heavily around the perimeter on both offense and defense, evidenced by his strong 3-point shooting splits in Portland. Horace, conversely, was a quintessential defensive anchor, patrolling the post with lethal tenacity and converting largely from the interior during an era where the 3-point shot was not yet prioritized, especially for big men.
Despite the generational evolution in play style, Horace Grant sees a clear resemblance in his nephew’s approach and skill set, identifying Jerami as the closest modern equivalent to his own game. “I would say the modern [me] would have to be my nephew Jerami,” Horace Grant says. “I love the way he plays defense. And if I was lucky enough back in the day to shoot 3’s when we were allowed to shoot 3’s as forwards, I’d say my nephew resembles Horace Grant back in the day.” While acknowledging the structural changes to the game, Grant did offer one humorous, old-school caveat, chuckling as he conceded, “He’s not as tough as I am, but the basketball style” is similar. Furthermore, Grant gave his seal of approval to power forward Aaron Gordon, who replaced Jerami on the Denver Nuggets roster, as another contemporary player whose game reminds him of his own. “Aaron Gordon’s a good choice too,” Grant allowed. “I love his game.”
Horace Grant’s enduring connection to the Bulls organization was recently formalized in a deeply meaningful way. On November 22, the team named the elder Grant to its second-ever Ring of Honor class, placing him among franchise greats like John Paxson, Bill Cartwright, Norm Van Lier, former assistant coach Johnny Bach, and play-by-play announcer Neil Funk. For the four-time All-Defensive Teamer who embraced the dirty work alongside Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, the recognition was overwhelming.
Grant noted of the festivities: “Man it was one of the best weeks of my life — first, being honored with such a great organization. Secondly, just reminiscing with guys like Pax and Bill and Neil Funk and the late great Johnny Bach — with his family there. And plus, all the fans there.” The honor underscored not only his contributions to the dynasty years but also the fierce organizational loyalty he expresses even toward his own family.
While Jerami continues his career progression with the Trail Blazers—averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists through the season’s early contests—Horace Grant is busy with an exciting new venture. He is preparing to launch a brand-new television show, Legends In Session, via Urban Grind TV, which will feature conversations with a variety of NBA legends about their achievements on and off the court. This show is his way of giving back and having his voice heard more broadly.
Speaking about the new series, Grant explained: “I just felt that I should have my voice out there a little bit more. Everyone who knows me knows that I’m a no-nonsense type of guy, I wear my heart on my sleeve and just have a story to tell.” He elaborated that the show would be focused on personal journeys, stating: “This TV series is just going to be my journey from my adolescence and my growth [in] college, 17 years in the NBA, and my guests are going to do the same. So it’s going to be fascinating, transparent and fun. Of course we’re going to talk about ’80s and ’90s basketball compared to basketball now and things of that nature.” Confirmed guests for the debut season are set to include Scottie Pippen, Harvey Grant, Gary Payton, Charles Oakley, and Penny Hardaway, among other stars. Furthermore, the show boasts a philanthropic element: each guest will sign memorabilia to be auctioned off to the charity of their choice, making the show a vehicle for giving back, as Grant feels it takes a village to raise a family and he wants to pay forward the assistance he received throughout his life.
