http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=1992106 MIAMI - Alonzo Mourning reportedly will become a member of the Miami Heat to start the second half of the season. According to a Sun-Sentinel.com report, Miami president Pat Riley confirmed the imminent signing of the veteran center, calling the move a "no-brainer." Saying the move had nothing to do with sentimentality, Riley addressed the local media at the AmericanAirlines Arena on Tuesday and said Mourning likely would be joining the team for practice Monday in Chicago. The Heat have a game Wednesday, their last before this weekend's All-Star break. Mourning cleared waivers Tuesday morning and was expected to undergo a team physical later in the day. He is expected to sign for a pro-rated portion of the veteran's minimum of $1.1 million. Riley said Mourning is receptive to a backup role. Mourning, who returned to the league after a kidney transplant in 2003, never reported to the Toronto Raptors following a trade from New Jersey on December 17 and has not played since December 7 due to an assortment of ailments. Mourning, who signed as a free agent with the Nets on July 16, 2003, has averaged 19.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in a 13-year career. Drafted second by Charlotte in the 1992 draft, Mourning underwent kidney transplant surgery on December 19, 2003 and missed 70 games due to focal glomeruloscleosis, which resulted from the kidney problems.
I think this is big for the Heat and the perfect spot for Alonzo. He can contribute in a big way without any pressure to be "the man". With the emergence of Wade and Shaq being Shaq he can be a major role player. I see this like when Bill Walton signed with the Celtics at the end of his career. Injuries assured he wasn't a start anymore but he was a major role player on a good team.
Thats a good move for the Heat. If he can be productive, it'll be an interesting Eastern Conference finals between them and the Pistons.
Great!!! Zo has been one of my favorite players ever, hope he wins the title if the Rockets don't make it to the finals.
i hope they do not Start him at PF. Because Haslem is the perfect fit for Shaq. Buthe is a good sub for both of them.
