Mourning ends career

[Thewlis Dish]

http://www.nba.com/nets/news/mourning_031124.html

East Rutherford, NJ, Nov. 24 -- New Jersey Nets center Alonzo Mourning will no longer be able to play professional basketball, effective November 24, 2003, due to an existing medical condition, Nets President/General Manager Rod Thorn announced today.
“ It is with great sadness that I make this announcement,” said Thorn. “Alonzo is a true champion and a very courageous athlete who attempted to defy the odds with his comeback to the NBA. Unfortunately, his medical condition will not allow him to continue his basketball career. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he continues his fight against this disease.”

 

[St-KriS]

It's a damn shame that his playing career has come to an end. I know a dude like Zo will beat this and he'll live a happy life.

Quick question: Do you think Zo is a future HOF'er?

 

[thehardaway]

Sad news
Gives him an excuse now to go smack K-Mart out though

 

[you_idiot]

Watching the story on SportsCenter now.

Very sad, especially since now he'll be needing a transplant for his kidney, and that search is reportedly being accelerated.

Day-to-day life is more important, most certainly-- and I think Jason Kidd's comments in the feature hit home, about having Mourning to be healthy enough to be able to play with his kids well into their lives (or words to that effect).

 

[you_idiot]

Originally posted by St-KriS
Quick question: Do you think Zo is a future HOF'er?

Good question.

The fact that he never won a ring would be a strike against him, and his credentials are otherwise good.

From the linked article in the first post above:

Mourning, who was in his 12th season in the NBA, was signed by the Nets as a free agent on July 16, 2003. He had played in all 12 games for the Nets this season, averaging 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 17.9 minutes of action. Mourning brought career stats of 20.3 ppg and 9.8 rpg into the campaign, which included three years with the Charlotte Hornets and eight (seven active) years with the Miami Heat.

Drafted by Charlotte in the First Round (2nd overall pick) of the 1992 NBA Draft and selected to the All-Rookie First Team, Mourning was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1998-1999, 1999-2000), a member of the All-NBA First Team in 1998-99 and Second Team in 1999-2000, a two-time member of the All-Defensive First Team (1998-99, 1999-2000) and was the winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 2001-02.

Mourning was also a member of the gold medal winning 2000 Team USA Olympic Team and was named the 2000 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

I'd say good, maybe much better than average, but not great. And one would have to have his play be in a certain stratosphere to be considered for the Hall of Fame.

I'd like to see him get there, but I'm not convinced that he will.

 

[Squeak]

Probably didn't play super basketball for long enough to be considered for HOF. Would have wanted to have at least one really good (I'm talking 25+ ppg, 12+rpg) season at least as well.

Nevertheless, we Mourn the career of a very good player.

 

[Showbag]

I feel sorry for his family. But, he knew the risks when he announced his comeback. I just can't fathom why he did comeback. Surely your health is more important than a 4yr/ $20 mil contract.

I'm sure he's a great guy, just not a very smart one.

 

[Portmagpies]

A good player but not worthy of the Hall of Fame.

After Olajuwon, Robinson, Ewing and when he retires, O'Neal, Mourning might get a look in.

But only if the current dearth of dominant big men is endemic.

 

[Jeffers]

Sad to see the great man go like this. Good luck in the future Zo

Still have my #33 Hornets jersy when i was 8 years old

 

[Fall Out Boy]

Very sad day.

The last of the Hornets three leaders is gone, after LJ and Muggsy.

Still have my Zo Hornets rookie guernsey and card.

 

[mattyc2422]

Terribly saddening news. I recall the tough times Sean Elliott went through - I wish the very best for Zo, who could have had a much more fruitful career if injury free.

 

[jod23]

Very sad news, Mourning was always one of my favourite players and a true champion. His rivalry with Shaq early in their careers was certainly enjoyable. Let's hope he can get healthy and enjoy life.

HOFer though, probably not. He had career totals of 12,000+ points and 6,000+ rebounds. Not exactly HOF totals, but his averages were very healthy so his totals are a reflection of how little basketball he actually played. He only managed 600 odd games which is a pretty short career.

He is though a 2 time Defensive Player of the Year. That might be enough to get him into the HOF. I wonder how many of the DPOTY winners are in the HOF.

On another issue, is Mutombo a HOFer? I think he should definitely get in.

 

[Portmagpies]

On what basis? His championship rings? MVP trophies? Multiple All-NBA First Team selections? Or perhaps his general dominance in the league?

 

[mattyc2422]

Mourning to receive kidney transplant
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/17/mourning.surgery.ap/index.html

 

[mattyc2422]

Alonzo Mourning underwent kidney transplant surgery Friday and was listed in good condition, hospital officials said.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2003/basketball/nba/12/19/bc.bkn.mourning.surgery.ap/index.html

 

[jerry springer]

Originally posted by jod23

On another issue, is Mutombo a HOFer? I think he should definitely get in.

Mutombo should make it.was been the premier defensive big man during the 90's(defensive player of the year 4 times).played 8 all-star games as well

another question.does dennis Rodman deserve selection in the HoF?

 

[St-KriS]

Originally posted by jerry springer


another question.does dennis Rodman deserve selection in the HoF?

I think the bigger question is, would Dennis wear a dress to enducting if he were going to be placed into the HOF.

Seriously though, While his defensive game could not be questioned, his offense made Deke look like Wilt! I don't think he should be in.

 

[jerry springer]

Originally posted by St-KriS
Seriously though, While his defensive game could not be questioned, his offense made Deke look like Wilt! I don't think he should be in.

on that basis "Pistol" pete Marovich shouldnt of made it,as he thought defence was having a breather waiting to get the ball back on offence.

people have to realise that there are two parts to basketball.offence and defence!

Rebounds win rings

 

[Portmagpies]

Dream on people.

 

[jerry springer]

Originally posted by Portmagpies
Dream on people.

would you like to elaborate?

 

[Portmagpies]

would you like to elaborate?

Hell will freeze over before either one of Mutombo or Mourning make the Hall of Fame.