RealGM

MIAMI (TICKER) -- Alonzo Mourning ruled out making a return to the court Monday, confirming his retirement from the NBA.

The 37-year-old Miami Heat center ended his career after spending 15 seasons in the NBA.

Mourning entered this season saying it would be his last, but saw it cut short when he tore the patella tendon and quadriceps tendon in his right knee on December 19.


After undergoing an operation, Mourning ruled out the possibility of a 16th season in an interview posted on the Heat's official web site.

"I'm retired," he said. "This is it for me."

Mourning suffered the tear as he raced down the court and planted beneath the rim to block a shot in the first quarter of the Heat's 117-111 overtime loss to the Hawks.

Since being drafted second overall by Charlotte out of Georgetown in 1992, Mourning played in 837 games for the Hornets, Miami and New Jersey. He began his second spell with the Heat in 2004.

Mourning posted career averages of 17.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The seven-time All-Star won one championship with Miami in 2006.

Mourning said he would now focus on his charity foundation and is considering offers to move into broadcasting or work for the NBA. He also suggested he could appear on the sidelines in the future.

"There's a possibility that I can explore some coaching opportunities if at the particular time I'm in the right frame of mind," he said.

A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Mourning defeated the odds just by stepping on the court in recent years. He was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 2003 and returned for the 2004-05 season after a transplant.

WheywethWordz wrote:you think its because they want to include his contract in a trade?

I do..........

can a player who announces their retirement be traded? I dont think so.

IndoorOutdoor wrote:According to the man Shaq_Diesel who I swear by he says that Zo is going to suit up for us one more game this year so-- put all your plans on hold

WheywethWordz wrote:-= original quote snipped =-




why would he do that?

IndoorOutdoor wrote:According to the man Shaq_Diesel who I swear by he says that Zo is going to suit up for us one more game this year so-- put all your plans on hold

Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning, out since December 19 with a torn patella tendon in his right knee and a torn quadriceps in the same leg, said in an interview with the team website Monday that he has decided to retire.

Mourning had already announced in July that the 2007-2008 season would be his final one in the NBA, and after suffering his injuries while attempting to block a shot in the first period of Miami's December 19 game at Atlanta, the 16-year veteran has opted not to try and rehab himself for another season.

"Yes. I'm retired," Mourning said. "This is it for me."

Mourning averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 24 games for Miami before his injury. For his career, Mourning has averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 837 games with the Charlotte Hornets , New Jersey Nets and Miami.