Hooped Up

According to the Palm Beach Post, seven-time All Star Alonzo Mourning officially retired from the NBA today after 16 years. Over the course of his decorated career, Mourning was twice named the Defensive Player of the Year and helped the Miami Heat win their only championship in 2006.

In 2003, Mourning retired from the NBA due to complications from his kidney disease and underwent a successful kidney transplant to return to the NBA. However in in 2007, Mourning then suffered a torn patella tendon and quadriceps muscle in his right leg during a game against Atlanta and today he decided to end his second comeback attempt.

“It’s not a sad day, but it’s a day to celebrate; it really is,” Mourning, 38, said at American Airlines Arena.”I can think of a million people right now that would have loved to have walked the path I walked the last 16 years.”

During his career Mourning played for the Hornets, Nets and Heat and averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks. Dude was a real warrior! 

Good luck Zo!