Alonzo Mourning reveals the three keys to success for centers in the current era of the NBA: "They're running now; you gotta be up on them"

Alonzo Mourning isn't the greatest center of all time, but he put together a solid 15-year career in the NBA that saw him enter the Hall of Fame. So, it's safe to say he knows what it takes to be a successful big man in the league.

The game of basketball that is being played in the NBA is constantly changing, though, so being a center means something completely different now than when Mourning was in the league. As a result, the Miami Heat legend revealed the three keys to success for big men in the modern NBA.

Zo on how to be a successful big today

During his prime, the seven-time All-Star was a paint beast on both sides of the floor. He was a superb interior scorer and arguably the best shotblocker in the league. That earned him seven All-Star selections, two All-NBA honors, and a pair of Defensive Player of the Year awards.

However, a lot more is currently required of centers in the NBA. So, with that in mind, Mourning picked out three key things that every big man needs in order to be able to string together strong performances on a nightly basis.

"The number one trait in this era is you gotta have a certain skill level out on the floor," Mourning said on All The Smoke . "You gotta be able to handle the ball just a little bit, not too much, but just a little bit for handoffs. You gotta be able to knock down a mid-range and maybe a three-pointer every now and then…And last but not least, you've got to be in the best shape of your life. Guys, they're running now, you gotta be up on them, it's a lot more movement now out on the perimeter."

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Mourning highlights the change in the NBA

Zo does a good job of pointing out how different the center position is in the modern NBA. Whereas you needed to be strong in the paint on both ends of the floor during his time, the position's responsibilities have broadened quite a bit.

He notes that centers can't simply run pick-and-rolls on offense and call it a day. Sometimes, they initiate offense and can find a spot for themselves in the league if they can shoot the three-ball. For reference, Mourning rarely shot threes during his career.

Perhaps most notably, though, is the point that these guys must be in good shape. Offenses in the league now focus quite a bit on hunting mismatches. If you can't hang with opposing guards on defense, you aren't going to make it in the league.

This is some insightful advice from Alonzo, and it shows how much the position has changed since he retired in 2008. As is always the case, there will surely be tons of changes to come in the future as well.

Related: Alonzo Mourning believes that players in the NBA have become too empowered: “It’s kind of gone overboard, It’s unfortunate”