MIAMI -- Alonzo Mourning has decided to retire rather than mount another NBA comeback at age 38. The seven-time All-Star center said Thursday he won't return from a devastating leg injury in 2007. He's not under contract but had been working out at the Miami Heat's complex and still had a spot in the team's locker room. Mourning hasn't played since tearing the patella tendon and quadriceps muscle in his right leg on Dec. 19, 2007, the fourth anniversary of his lifesaving kidney transplant. He said he feared another return would put his health in jeopardy. "I truly feel it's best that I retire," Mourning said at a news conference. "When you've got something you love and you're passionate about, it's hard to let that go. But at 38 I feel I've physically done all I can for this game. It has been an amazing ride." Mourning, who turns 39 next month, played at Georgetown and was the second overall pick in the 1992 draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He also played for New Jersey but spent the majority of his career with the Heat, helping them reach the playoffs six consecutive years. He was the backup center to Shaquille O'Neal when Miami won the NBA title in 2006. At age 30, Mourning was diagnosed in October 2000 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a career-threatening kidney disease. He missed most of the ensuing season but rejoined the Heat in March 2001 and made the All-Star team the following year. When his condition worsened, he missed the entire 2002-03 season and underwent a transplant in 2003. Again he returned, but for three consecutive summers beginning in 2005, Mourning considered retirement before choosing to keep playing. "It's not a sad day, but it's a day to celebrate," Mourning said. "I can think of a million people right now that would have loved to walk the path I've walked. The ups and the downs made it even more joyous." In 15 seasons, Mourning averaged 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds and twice was chosen NBA defensive player of the year. He averaged 6.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in 25 games last season for the Heat. Mourning has long supported charitable causes in Miami and campaigned for better education. He attended President Barack Obama's inauguration on Tuesday. Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3852288
one of the nicest guys ever, I remember once like 10 years ago when I was in high school we were at a sun/heat game and afterwards we were out by where the players were leaving and none of them signed autographs except mourning. He stopped to talk to us and see what colleges we were going to and stuff he was awesome guy nothing like the mean guy he was on the court
i have a lot of respect for alonzo, one of the only dudes that didn't fear being in a poster....he would always contest a dunk
Very true. I remember thinking how good the hornets were going to be with him. Everybody was sportin the alonzo jersey for awhile. alonzo, grandma-ma, mugsy, hersey hawkins, dell curry fun team to watch. Good guy, always played hard.
A wise decision. He had a great career and won a championship. He wasn't a very talented player but made the best of his skills. A real fighter who has done great work for the community as well. Good Luck and good health Zo.
Happy trails. My favorite non Rocket of all time!!! The guy played every possesion like it was his last. As great a player and competitor he was on the court, he is even better humanitarian off of it. I know his career #'s don't look HOF worthy now but before his kidney disease (8 seasons) he was a 20/10/3 blks guarantee a night and a franchise center. Thanks for the memories Zo!
Mourning i heard was the first coming of KG and especially after returning back from kidney ailments usually quarreled with teammates. does anyone still remember his exchange with kenyon martin, lol
I remember reading about that and from what I recall Kenyon Martin was being an @ss mocking him about his kidney transplant. Clutchfans like to call Ron Artest the True Warrior but if Mourning was really the true warrior. I can't think of another player that worked as hard as he did and showed as much courage on the basketball court. Happy trails to Zo.
A very tough defender. A fearless shotblocker. A threat at the post. Hardworker. Athlete. An ocean of emotion. Thank you very much Zo. Have the best of what life has to offer .
Great guy and a good career. I'm glad he won a championship. It just stinks that all these guys I grew up watching are all retired now.
I know how you feel. The very first NBA game I went to was the Rockets led by Moses Malone and Calvin Murphy playing the Lakers with Kareem and some young phenom called Magic.
He actually taunted kenyon Martin first and said kenyon martin was playing lazy, and always had problems with his kness and Mourning mocked him saying "my knee my knee" Kenyon then replied by saying "My kidney my kidney" Hahaha
