Zo calls it quits

[JaoSming]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3852288

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.
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.

[el badman]

Sad but expected.
Here's to a true warrior

[Oznogrd]

'Zo still is one of my fave players of all time. sad to see him go but to hours of entertainment and usage of him on NBA Jam

[Alejandrov011]

He's a true warrior, in the court and in life


At least we still have Mutombo in the league

[Cartar]

Sad to see my 2nd favourite player leave basketball, even when this was expected. He used to be great player, who always played with passion.

[Andrew]

I was kind of hoping he'd have one last shot and be able to leave on his own terms but he's had a fine career and I have a lot of respect and admiration for him. I know he was much maligned after the situation in Toronto but I for one enjoyed seeing him getting a ring with the Heat in 2006 and it was obvious how much it meant to him with so many setbacks after his kidney disorder was discovered in 2000. He seems to be quite the philanthropist as well, I'm sure he'll continue to do great things there.

[Amphatoast]

I agree, sad to see him not leave on his own terms especially with all he's been through, but definitely one of the tough good guys out there. As much as I dislike him with his history with the knicks, he was still a good competitor and player

[diddy]

Warrior down? not yet! he said that if he'll be able to fully recover from his injury - he will come back! i hope he will! he is in my top 5 for live!

[Andrew]

From the quotes in the article, it sounds like his mind has been pretty well made up on retirement.

[hova-]

Well although I did not really watch him in his prime (I think 97-99 was his best time?) I loved his ability to block shots in a strong way. His body was impressive.

[GoLowDrew]

How can I say anything bad about Zo?

I will. As a Heat fan and a fan of Zo, I was very disappointed that he left the Heat for NJ Nets. The Heat did not trade him. Zo left. He failed to see the need that Heat could not pour top $$$ for a player with his uncertain health condition. The Heat stood by him. Heat alrady paid the top $$$ to bring in Brian Grant and Eddie Jones, to help bring Zo a ring. There was NO $$$$ left. Where was the love return from Zo? Ok, it's all about the business. Fine.

When NJ (with Kidd) failed, Zo was traded. He refuse to show up in Canada. So, what about the "Business.?" The Heat took him back once again. And GAVE him a ring. Let's not forget that M. Doleac, left the Magics to sign with the Heat to be the backup for Shaq. No matter what one say about Doleac (yes, he is no where near a star), he was a solid backup. That was the Heat's plan. There was really "no need" for Zo at the time.

(Riley) Heat's loyalty made him the back up behind Shaq. Letting Doleac become a non-factor.

I understand how a man matures over time, and Zo is an example. So one should not hold it against him.

[NovU]

I'll always miss Zo. Him and those good old glorious Heat days in tdays with Tim crossover Hardaway. One of the best days in the NBA. Heat was the most exciting team to watch back then... at least for me.

He wasn't as dominant as Shaq, but sure was worth 2nd overall pick just behind Shaq. Saddens me to see one of the best class players retiring one by one.

[Oskar]

Huge respect to that guy, for real.

Btw, just like The Glove, he's one of those guys who bought a ring on the way home, quoting someone.

Still, a really nice rolemodel and a real good player in his prime. Definitely will be missed and I hope he'll make the Hall of Fame.

[Andrew]

How can I say anything bad about Zo?

I will. As a Heat fan and a fan of Zo, I was very disappointed that he left the Heat for NJ Nets. The Heat did not trade him. Zo left. He failed to see the need that Heat could not pour top $$$ for a player with his uncertain health condition. The Heat stood by him. Heat alrady paid the top $$$ to bring in Brian Grant and Eddie Jones, to help bring Zo a ring. There was NO $$$$ left. Where was the love return from Zo? Ok, it's all about the business. Fine.

When NJ (with Kidd) failed, Zo was traded. He refuse to show up in Canada. So, what about the "Business.?" The Heat took him back once again. And GAVE him a ring. Let's not forget that M. Doleac, left the Magics to sign with the Heat to be the backup for Shaq. No matter what one say about Doleac (yes, he is no where near a star), he was a solid backup. That was the Heat's plan. There was really "no need" for Zo at the time.

(Riley) Heat's loyalty made him the back up behind Shaq. Letting Doleac become a non-factor.

I understand how a man matures over time, and Zo is an example. So one should not hold it against him.

I see where you're coming from but Zo is no different to any other player in that at some point he has to look out for his own interests and he wanted to pursue other opportunities (and yes, more money). The situation with the Raptors didn't endear him to a lot of people but he's hardly the first player to play hard ball and get out of a situation he didn't want to be in. As for the situation with Doleac in Miami, I see your point but if Zo's healthy enough to contribute I'd take him over Doleac ten times out of ten. And he did contribute to the title run so he was no more given a ring than anyone else on the team outside Wade and Shaq.

[Jackal]

They ought to suspend a player for not "showing up" or not wanting to play for a certain team. Make it obligatory to attend games, but not play. Don't want to show up? Fine. Suspended from the league without pay. Go be a little bitch at McDonalds.

Uhm sorry to see Zo go, I always liked him, he seemed like a nice person and showed a lot of heart, KG kind of heart.

[Andrew]

It depends how they handle it. If they can agree to part ways with the new team amicably because they want to pursue other opportunities and the new team is willing to come to an agreement, I say why not. Players are treated like commodities as it is, if they can negotiate a release or buyout in a professional way so be it. But teams should have some recourse if players refuse to report.

[Matthew]

How can I say anything bad about Zo?

I will. As a Heat fan and a fan of Zo, I was very disappointed that he left the Heat for NJ Nets. The Heat did not trade him. Zo left. He failed to see the need that Heat could not pour top $$$ for a player with his uncertain health condition. The Heat stood by him. Heat alrady paid the top $$$ to bring in Brian Grant and Eddie Jones, to help bring Zo a ring. There was NO $$$$ left. Where was the love return from Zo? Ok, it's all about the business. Fine.

When NJ (with Kidd) failed, Zo was traded. He refuse to show up in Canada. So, what about the "Business.?" The Heat took him back once again. And GAVE him a ring. Let's not forget that M. Doleac, left the Magics to sign with the Heat to be the backup for Shaq. No matter what one say about Doleac (yes, he is no where near a star), he was a solid backup. That was the Heat's plan. There was really "no need" for Zo at the time.

(Riley) Heat's loyalty made him the back up behind Shaq. Letting Doleac become a non-factor.

I understand how a man matures over time, and Zo is an example. So one should not hold it against him.

He went to New Jersey because of the opportunity to win a ring. Karl Malone went to the Lakers in search for a championship. I owned a ps2, but I play an xbox 360 now. People change their allegiances all the time.

You can try to make it all about money, but if Miami had the same talent on their team, I'm pretty sure he would of stayed. And who in their right mind would want to play for New Jersey? He did them and himself a favour by not wanting to play there.

And fuck Michael Doleac. That's the stupidest argument I've ever heard. This is the highest level of basketball in the world. The Miami Heat have an obligation to their fans to put their best team on the court.

Simply put: The Heat would not have won in 06 without Alonzo. His shot blocking and intensity was more important to Miami then Shaq in the finals.

[shadowgrin]

I still remember back in the 90's when many were doubting Zo's ability to play center because he was "only" 6'10 going up against the 7-foot centers of that time like Ewing, Shaq, Robinson, and Hakeem.

[Andrew]

I think it's safe to say those doubts were quickly put to rest. His strength, reach and defensive instincts made up for being a few inches shorter.