Alonzo Mourning Announces Retirement

That a(nother) Alonzo Mourning comeback had even been considered as late as yesterday is a real miracle, a testament to how hard 'Zo has worked to keep his often uncooperative body in playing shape. But Mourning announced today he is officially retiring at the age of 38.

Eight years ago, Mourning stepped away when diagnosed with a deathly serious kidney disease. He got treatment and played through it (at an All-Star level) until things got worse in 2003; he had a kidney transplant and came back to the league. And he didn't just occupy space in the NBA -- he was perhaps the fourth most important player in Miami's 2006 title run.
Miami needs center help right now, but Mourning can't go any longer. The closure will help Pat Riley realistically address the roster. More importantly, it should allow us to fully appreciate one of the best centers of our time, a real symbol of the toughness and power of NBA Basketball in the 1990s.