Alonzo Mourning
Encyclopedia
Alonzo Harding Mourning, Jr. (born February 8, 1970) is a former American
professional basketball
player, who played most of his 15-year NBA
career for the Miami Heat
.
Nicknamed "Zo", Mourning played at center
. His tenacity on defense twice earned him NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
and perennially placed him on the NBA All-Defensive Team
. He made a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant and later won his first NBA Championship
with the Heat. He has also played for the Charlotte Hornets
and New Jersey Nets
. On March 30, 2009, Mourning became the first Miami Heat
player to have his number retired.
for the Georgetown University
Hoyas
. He led the nation in blocked shots his freshman year and was an All American his last year there.
by the Charlotte Hornets
, behind Shaquille O'Neal
. Mourning was named to the league's all-rookie team in 1993 after averaging 21.0 pts, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.47 blocks. He finished second to Shaquille O'Neal in rookie of the year voting. He posted the highest scoring average of any rookie in Hornets history. Mourning and O'Neal were the first NBA rookies since David Robinson in 1989–90 to average 20 or more points and 10-plus rebounds in their first seasons. Mourning shattered Charlotte's blocked-shots records, becoming the Hornets' all-time career leader in the 49th game of the season. The greatest moment of Mourning's rookie season came on May 5, 1993 in Game 4 of a first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics
. His 20-footer at the buzzer gave the Hornets a 104–103 victory in the game and a three-games-to-one victory in the series.
In the 1994–95 season, Mourning and teammate Larry Johnson led the Hornets to a 50-win season and took them to the playoffs. Mourning ranked first on the team in scoring
(21.3 ppg), rebounding
(9.9 rpg), blocked shots
(2.92 per game), and field goal percentage
(.519).
, where he played for the Heat for the next seven seasons, including highlights such as signing a $105 million contract with the Miami Heat in 1996. He was the centerpiece of the Pat Riley
-coached Heat, averaging close to 20 points
and 10 rebounds
per game, and dominating the paint with his intimidating shot-blocking
. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
twice during this period and was named into the All-NBA First Team after leading the Heat in scoring (20.1 ppg), field-goal percentage (.511), rebounds (11.0), blocked shots (3.9) during the 1998–99 NBA season. He and Tim Hardaway
led the Heat into the 1997 playoffs, where the rivalry
between the Heat and the New York Knicks
intensified. The Heat and Knicks faced off in the conference semifinals that year and the Knicks led 3 games to 1, but the Heat were able to overcome the deficit and win the series to advance to their first conference finals. The series was marked by a brawl in the fifth game in which multiple suspensions were handed down.
In the next round, with the Heat down 3–0 to the Chicago Bulls
in the Eastern Conference Finals, Mourning guaranteed a victory in Game 4. The Heat won the Game 87–80 but lost the series in five games. The next season, Miami would be eliminated in the first round by the Knicks, a series in which Mourning was suspended for the 5th and deciding game due to an on-court fight with ex-teammate Larry Johnson, and Knicks Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy
hung onto Mourning's leg in an attempt to break it up. Miami would also be eliminated by the Knicks in the playoffs the following two seasons.
In 2000, Miami underwent an overhaul to attempt to put together the pieces to win a championship, and expectations leading up to the season were high. However, prior the start of the 2000–01 season, Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
, a disease of the kidneys, that had caused him to miss the first five months of that season. Even after the diagnosis, Mourning returned and played in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. Because his condition worsened, Mourning did not play during the entire 2002–03 season and his expiring contract was not renewed by the rebuilding Heat.
. But on November 25, 2003 Mourning retired from the NBA due to complications from his kidney disease. On December 19 of that year he underwent a successful kidney transplant. In 2004, he started practicing with the Nets again, and made the team's regular season roster during the 2004–05 season. However, he did not play a significant role with the Nets and openly complained to the media that he wanted out of New Jersey, especially after the team traded away Kenyon Martin
. Mourning was traded to the Toronto Raptors
on December 17, 2004. Mourning never reported to the Raptors and was bought out of his contract, at a remaining 9 million dollars, on February 11, 2005. Raptors team officials later said that he did not meet the medical conditions to play for the team. Mourning then finished the season with the Miami Heat
being paid a second salary, the veteran's minimum.
, although he was called upon as a starter due to O'Neal missing stretches due to injury. O'Neal and Mourning even played together on the court at times, with Mourning playing power forward. Because of physical limitations, his minutes were reduced, but was still a steady contributor. Mourning's tenacious defense, steady offense, and all around hustle helped the Heat gain and maintain the second-best record in the NBA's Eastern conference during the 2005–06 season; his intensity had earned him the nickname "The Ultimate Warrior" amongst Miami Heat
fans. Mourning finished the regular season ranking third in blocked shots at 2.66 per game, despite only playing 20 minutes per contest.
The Miami Heat and Mourning finally won the NBA Championship in the 2006 NBA Finals
, defeating the Dallas Mavericks
4 games to 2. Although he was used as a reserve center
behind Shaquille O'Neal
during the Finals, he contributed 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks in the decisive Game 6 of the series and was a strong force throughout.
After winning the championship, Mourning announced that he would return to the Heat in 2006–07 to defend their title, despite receiving offers of more money from other teams, including the San Antonio Spurs
. In 2007, Mourning announced he would return for one more year with the Heat and his 15th season. "It will definitely be my last year", Mourning said. After starting the season on a solid note averaging 6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.75 blocks in just over 16 played per 24 games, Mourning tore his patellar tendon in his right knee on December 19, 2007, during the first quarter of a loss in Atlanta
. The injury, which occurred on the fourth anniversary of his successful kidney transplant, was said to be career-threatening, but rumors persisted about a return come the 2008–09 season, and Mourning himself said that this wasn't the way he wanted to end his career considering all he had been through already.
Mourning has averaged the most blocks in the NBA per 48 minutes with 5.46.
During the 2007–08 season, he became the Heat's all-time leader in points scored.
On February 28, 2009, the Miami Heat announced they would retire Mourning's number 33 jersey, making him the first Heat player to be so honored.
The jersey retirement ceremony occurred on March 30, 2009, when the Heat hosted the Orlando Magic. During the extended halftime ceremony, Mourning was introduced by Florida Governor Charlie Crist
, former Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson
, NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing
, current Heat players Dwyane Wade
and Udonis Haslem
and Heat Head Coach Pat Riley
.
In May 2009, he was named to the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, which honors athletes, coaches and administrators who contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia.
On June 26, 2009, Mourning announced that he is returning to the Heat as the Vice President of Player Programs and Development. He will also mentor young players.
In April 2010, Mourning was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
in recognition of his outstanding high school, collegiate, and professional career as well as his commitment to volunteer service in the communities in which he has lived and work during his life. http://vshfm.com/hall/induct_mourning.html
, Jason Cooper, was visiting Mourning's gravely ill grandmother in the hospital. Mourning's father was present and informed Cooper that Mourning was retiring that very same day from the NBA because of a life-threatening kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
, the same problem that Sean Elliott
had in 1999. Cooper asked if there was anything he could do, and began to contemplate donating one of his kidneys to his estranged cousin, whom he had not seen in 25 years and whom he only knew through basketball. Cooper was tested for compatibility, along with many other family members and friends (including fellow NBA center and good friend Patrick Ewing
); during his grandmother's funeral, Mourning received the news that Jason Cooper was a match.
Mourning received Cooper's left kidney on December 19, 2003.
After being diagnosed with focal glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Mourning launched Zo's Fund for Life, a campaign which seeks to raise funds for research, education, and testing to fight focal glomerulosclerosis. Funds are allocated toward research for a cure, education for doctors and the general public, testing for early detection and a fund for those not able to afford medication.
In 2007, Mourning along with Andre Agassi
, Muhammad Ali
, Lance Armstrong
, Warrick Dunn
, Mia Hamm
, Jeff Gordon
, Tony Hawk
, Andrea Jaeger
, Jackie Joyner-Kersee
, Mario Lemieux
, and Cal Ripken, Jr.
founded Athletes for Hope, a charitable organization, which helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and inspires millions of non-athletes to volunteer and support the community.
In 2003 he has also founded the overtown Youth Center for underprivileged kids, located in Miami, Florida. The program aims to inspire, empower, and enrich these children while teaching them to become positive contributing citizens.
In 2009, the Miami-Dade school board
named a new high school in North Miami, Florida
in his honor, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus
.
In July 2011 Mourning was sued by Miami, Florida lawyer Spencer Aronfeld on behalf of Alberto Candoleria for crashing his car into another car and then leaving the scene of the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol later charged Mourning with leaving the scene of a car accident. The accident allegedly occurred after he left Chris Bosh
's wedding in Miami Beach after 3:00 A.M. Candoleria had just been in an accident when Mourning struck his car. He did not know if he was in his car when Mourning hit him as he claimed to have amnesia.
Mourning lives in Coral Gables.
| align="left" | 1992–93
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 78 || 78 || 33.9 || .511 || .000 || .781 || 10.3 || 1.0 || .3 || 3.5 || 21.0
|-
| align="left" | 1993–94
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 60 || 59 || 33.6 || .505 || .000 || .762 || 10.2 || 1.4 || .4 || 3.1 || 21.5
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 77 || 77 || 38.2 || .519 || .324 || .761 || 9.9 || 1.4 || .6 || 2.9 || 21.3
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
| align="left" | Miami
| 70 || 70 || 38.2 || .523 || .300 || .685 || 10.4 || 2.3 || 1.0 || 2.7 || 23.2
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Miami
| 66 || 65 || 35.2 || .534 || .111 || .642 || 9.9 || 1.6 || .9 || 2.9 || 19.8
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
| align="left" | Miami
| 58 || 56 || 33.4 || .551 || .000 || .665 || 9.6 || .9 || .7 || 2.2 || 19.2
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | Miami
| 46 || 46 || 38.1 || .511 || .000 || .652 || 11.0 || 1.6 || .7 || 3.9 || 20.1
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Miami
| 79 || 78 || 34.8 || .551 || .000 || .711 || 9.5 || 1.6 || .5 || 3.7 || 21.7
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Miami
| 13 || 3 || 23.5 || .518 || .000 || .564 || 7.8 || .9 || .3 || 2.4 || 13.6
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | Miami
| 75 || 74 || 32.7 || .516 || .333 || .657 || 8.4 || 1.2 || .4 || 2.5 || 15.7
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 12 || 0 || 17.9 || .465 || .000 || .882 || 2.3 || .7 || .2 || .5 || 8.0
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 18 || 14 || 25.4 || .453 || .000 || .593 || 7.1 || .8 || .3 || 2.3 || 10.4
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Miami
| 19 || 3 || 12.9 || .516 || .000 || .564 || 3.7 || .2 || .2 || 1.7 || 5.0
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Miami
| 65 || 20 || 20.0 || .597 || .000 || .594 || 5.5 || .2 || .2 || 2.7 || 7.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Miami
| 77 || 43 || 20.4 || .560 || .000 || .601 || 4.5 || .2 || .2 || 2.3 || 8.6
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Miami
| 25 || 0 || 15.6 || .547 || .000 || .592 || 3.7 || .3 || .2 || 1.7 || 6.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 838 || 686 || 31.0 || .527 || .247 || .692 || 8.5 || 1.1 || .5 || 2.8 || 17.1
|-
| align="left" | All-Star
| align="left" |
| 4 || 1 || 18.8 || .545 || .000 || .667 || 4.8 || 1.0 || .8 || 2.0 || 10.0
| align="left" | 1992–93
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 9 || 9 || 40.8 || .480 || .000 || .774 || 9.9 || 1.4 || .7 || 3.4 || 23.8
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 4 || 4 || 43.5 || .421 || .500 || .837 || 13.3 || 2.8 || .8 || 3.2 || 22.0
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
| align="left" | Miami
| 3 || 3 || 30.7 || .486 || .000 || .714 || 6.0 || 1.3 || .7 || 1.0 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Miami
| 17 || 17 || 37.1 || .491 || .375 || .555 || 10.2 || 1.1 || .6 || 2.7 || 17.8
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
| align="left" | Miami
| 4 || 4 || 34.5 || .518 || .000 || .655 || 8.5 || 1.3 || .8 || 2.5 || 19.3
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | Miami
| 5 || 5 || 38.8 || .521 || .000 || .653 || 8.2 || .8 || 1.6 || 2.8 || 21.6
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Miami
| 10 || 10 || 37.6 || .484 || .000 || .667 || 10.0 || 1.4 || .2 || 3.3 || 21.6
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Miami
| 3 || 3 || 30.3 || .480 || .000 || .579 || 5.3 || 1.0 || .0 || 1.7 || 11.7
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Miami
| 15 || 2 || 16.9 || .705 || .000 || .558 || 4.8 || .3 || .3 || 2.2 || 6.1
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Miami
| 21 || 0 || 10.8 || .703 || .000 || .667 || 2.9 || .1 || .2 || 1.1 || 3.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Miami
| 4 || 0 || 13.8 || .909 || .000 || .385 || 2.0 || .3 || .0 || .8 || 6.3
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 95 || 57 || 27.3 || .512 || .368 || .649 || 7.0 || .9 || .5 || 2.3 || 13.6
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player, who played most of his 15-year NBA
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
career for the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
.
Nicknamed "Zo", Mourning played at center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
. His tenacity on defense twice earned him NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
The National Basketball Association's Defensive Player of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1982–83 NBA season, to the top defensive player of the regular season...
and perennially placed him on the NBA All-Defensive Team
NBA All-Defensive Team
The NBA All-Defensive Team is an annual National Basketball Association honor given since the 1968–69 NBA season to the best defensive players during the regular season. Voting is conducted by the NBA head coaches; the coaches are not allowed to vote for players on their own team...
. He made a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant and later won his first NBA Championship
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
with the Heat. He has also played for the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
The Charlotte Hornets was a professional American basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They played in the Atlantic, Midwest, and Central divisions of the National Basketball Association. The Hornets began play during the 1988–89 NBA season as an expansion franchise, along with the...
and New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. On March 30, 2009, Mourning became the first Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
player to have his number retired.
Early career
During his time at Indian River High School in Chesapeake he led the team to 51 straight victories and a state title his junior year (1987). As a senior he averaged 25 points, 15 rebounds and 12 blocked shots a game. He was named Player of the Year by USA Today, Parade, Gatorade, and Naismith. Mourning played college basketballCollege basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
for the Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
Hoyas
Georgetown Hoyas
Georgetown's nickname is The Hoyas, but its mascot is "Jack the Bulldog." Various breeds of dogs have been used by the sports teams as mascots since the early 1900s. Several notable bull terriers like Sergeant Stubby and "Hoya" were used at football games in the 1920s, as was a Great Dane in the...
. He led the nation in blocked shots his freshman year and was an All American his last year there.
Charlotte Hornets
Mourning was selected second overall in the 1992 NBA Draft1992 NBA Draft
The 1992 NBA Draft took place on June 24, 1992, in Portland, Oregon. At the time, the draft was considered to be one of the deepest drafts in NBA history. The top three picks were considered can't-miss prospects. O'Neal and Mourning are likely Hall of Famers...
by the Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
The Charlotte Hornets was a professional American basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They played in the Atlantic, Midwest, and Central divisions of the National Basketball Association. The Hornets began play during the 1988–89 NBA season as an expansion franchise, along with the...
, behind Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
. Mourning was named to the league's all-rookie team in 1993 after averaging 21.0 pts, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.47 blocks. He finished second to Shaquille O'Neal in rookie of the year voting. He posted the highest scoring average of any rookie in Hornets history. Mourning and O'Neal were the first NBA rookies since David Robinson in 1989–90 to average 20 or more points and 10-plus rebounds in their first seasons. Mourning shattered Charlotte's blocked-shots records, becoming the Hornets' all-time career leader in the 49th game of the season. The greatest moment of Mourning's rookie season came on May 5, 1993 in Game 4 of a first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a National Basketball Association team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946, the team is currently owned by Boston Basketball Partners LLC. The Celtics play their home games at the TD Garden, which...
. His 20-footer at the buzzer gave the Hornets a 104–103 victory in the game and a three-games-to-one victory in the series.
In the 1994–95 season, Mourning and teammate Larry Johnson led the Hornets to a 50-win season and took them to the playoffs. Mourning ranked first on the team in scoring
Point (basketball)
Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws ....
(21.3 ppg), rebounding
Rebound (basketball)
A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made...
(9.9 rpg), blocked shots
Block (basketball)
In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot...
(2.92 per game), and field goal percentage
Field goal percentage
Field goal percentage in basketball is the ratio of field goals made to field goals attempted. Its abbreviation is FG%. Three-point field goals are included in this percentage. Instead of using scales of 0 to 100%, the scale .000 to 1.000 is commonly used. A higher field goal percentage denotes...
(.519).
Miami Heat
Friction with Johnson and contract issues forced a change, so after three years in Charlotte, he was traded to Miami HeatMiami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
, where he played for the Heat for the next seven seasons, including highlights such as signing a $105 million contract with the Miami Heat in 1996. He was the centerpiece of the Pat Riley
Pat Riley
Patrick James "Pat" Riley is an American professional basketball executive, and a retired coach and player in the NBA. Currently, he is team president of the Miami Heat. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams...
-coached Heat, averaging close to 20 points
Point (basketball)
Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws ....
and 10 rebounds
Rebound (basketball)
A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made...
per game, and dominating the paint with his intimidating shot-blocking
Block (basketball)
In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot...
. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award
The National Basketball Association's Defensive Player of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1982–83 NBA season, to the top defensive player of the regular season...
twice during this period and was named into the All-NBA First Team after leading the Heat in scoring (20.1 ppg), field-goal percentage (.511), rebounds (11.0), blocked shots (3.9) during the 1998–99 NBA season. He and Tim Hardaway
Tim Hardaway
Timothy Duane "Tim" Hardaway is a retired American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association and who in his prime was one of the league's best point guards...
led the Heat into the 1997 playoffs, where the rivalry
Knicks-Heat rivalry
The Heat-Knicks rivalry was a rivalry between two professional basketball teams, the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks, of the NBA.Known as one of the fiercest rivalries in recent history, the Heat-Knicks rivalry was derived from their frequent, and frequently long, playoff series. In a SI...
between the Heat and the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
intensified. The Heat and Knicks faced off in the conference semifinals that year and the Knicks led 3 games to 1, but the Heat were able to overcome the deficit and win the series to advance to their first conference finals. The series was marked by a brawl in the fifth game in which multiple suspensions were handed down.
In the next round, with the Heat down 3–0 to the Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center...
in the Eastern Conference Finals, Mourning guaranteed a victory in Game 4. The Heat won the Game 87–80 but lost the series in five games. The next season, Miami would be eliminated in the first round by the Knicks, a series in which Mourning was suspended for the 5th and deciding game due to an on-court fight with ex-teammate Larry Johnson, and Knicks Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy
Jeff Van Gundy
Jeffrey William "Jeff" Van Gundy is a former American basketball head coach. He coached most recently with the National Basketball Association's Houston Rockets...
hung onto Mourning's leg in an attempt to break it up. Miami would also be eliminated by the Knicks in the playoffs the following two seasons.
In 2000, Miami underwent an overhaul to attempt to put together the pieces to win a championship, and expectations leading up to the season were high. However, prior the start of the 2000–01 season, Mourning was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a cause of nephrotic syndrome in children and adolescents, as well as an important cause of kidney failure in adults.It is also known as "focal glomerular sclerosis" or "focal nodular glomerulosclerosis"....
, a disease of the kidneys, that had caused him to miss the first five months of that season. Even after the diagnosis, Mourning returned and played in the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. Because his condition worsened, Mourning did not play during the entire 2002–03 season and his expiring contract was not renewed by the rebuilding Heat.
New Jersey Nets
As a free agent, in 2003 he signed a four-year deal with the New Jersey NetsNew Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. But on November 25, 2003 Mourning retired from the NBA due to complications from his kidney disease. On December 19 of that year he underwent a successful kidney transplant. In 2004, he started practicing with the Nets again, and made the team's regular season roster during the 2004–05 season. However, he did not play a significant role with the Nets and openly complained to the media that he wanted out of New Jersey, especially after the team traded away Kenyon Martin
Kenyon Martin
Kenyon Lee Martin is an American professional basketball player. Nicknamed "K-Mart", he plays for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China. He was selected first overall in the 2000 NBA Draft, and has played in the NBA for the New Jersey Nets and Denver Nuggets...
. Mourning was traded to the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
on December 17, 2004. Mourning never reported to the Raptors and was bought out of his contract, at a remaining 9 million dollars, on February 11, 2005. Raptors team officials later said that he did not meet the medical conditions to play for the team. Mourning then finished the season with the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
being paid a second salary, the veteran's minimum.
Back with the Heat
After being unhappy at the prospect of playing for a losing franchise, Mourning re-signed with the Heat on March 1, 2005. His role was reduced as a backup because of superstar Shaquille O'NealShaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
, although he was called upon as a starter due to O'Neal missing stretches due to injury. O'Neal and Mourning even played together on the court at times, with Mourning playing power forward. Because of physical limitations, his minutes were reduced, but was still a steady contributor. Mourning's tenacious defense, steady offense, and all around hustle helped the Heat gain and maintain the second-best record in the NBA's Eastern conference during the 2005–06 season; his intensity had earned him the nickname "The Ultimate Warrior" amongst Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
fans. Mourning finished the regular season ranking third in blocked shots at 2.66 per game, despite only playing 20 minutes per contest.
The Miami Heat and Mourning finally won the NBA Championship in the 2006 NBA Finals
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
, defeating the Dallas Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
4 games to 2. Although he was used as a reserve center
Center (basketball)
The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
behind Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
during the Finals, he contributed 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 blocks in the decisive Game 6 of the series and was a strong force throughout.
After winning the championship, Mourning announced that he would return to the Heat in 2006–07 to defend their title, despite receiving offers of more money from other teams, including the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
. In 2007, Mourning announced he would return for one more year with the Heat and his 15th season. "It will definitely be my last year", Mourning said. After starting the season on a solid note averaging 6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.75 blocks in just over 16 played per 24 games, Mourning tore his patellar tendon in his right knee on December 19, 2007, during the first quarter of a loss in Atlanta
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association .-The first years:...
. The injury, which occurred on the fourth anniversary of his successful kidney transplant, was said to be career-threatening, but rumors persisted about a return come the 2008–09 season, and Mourning himself said that this wasn't the way he wanted to end his career considering all he had been through already.
Mourning has averaged the most blocks in the NBA per 48 minutes with 5.46.
During the 2007–08 season, he became the Heat's all-time leader in points scored.
Retirement
Mourning announced his retirement from the NBA on January 22, 2009. In his press conference he said "I'm 38 years old and I feel like I have physically done all I can for this game."On February 28, 2009, the Miami Heat announced they would retire Mourning's number 33 jersey, making him the first Heat player to be so honored.
The jersey retirement ceremony occurred on March 30, 2009, when the Heat hosted the Orlando Magic. During the extended halftime ceremony, Mourning was introduced by Florida Governor Charlie Crist
Charlie Crist
Charles Joseph "Charlie" Crist, Jr. is an American politician who was the 44th Governor of Florida. Prior to his election as governor, Crist previously served as Florida State Senator, Education Commissioner, and Attorney General...
, former Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson
John Thompson (basketball)
John R. Thompson, Jr. is an American former basketball coach for the Georgetown University Hoyas. He is now a professional radio and TV sports commentator...
, NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing
Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. is a Jamaican-American retired Hall of Fame basketball player and current assistant coach for the National Basketball Association's Orlando Magic. He played most of his career with the NBA's New York Knicks as their starting center and played briefly with the Seattle...
, current Heat players Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade, Jr. nicknamed Flash or D-Wade, is an American professional basketball player for the Miami Heat. Awarded 2006 Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, Wade has established himself as one of the most well-known and popular players in the league...
and Udonis Haslem
Udonis Haslem
Udonis Johneal Haslem is an American professional basketball player who is currently a power forward for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association . Haslem played college basketball for the University of Florida, where he was a key member of four Florida Gators NCAA tournament teams...
and Heat Head Coach Pat Riley
Pat Riley
Patrick James "Pat" Riley is an American professional basketball executive, and a retired coach and player in the NBA. Currently, he is team president of the Miami Heat. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams...
.
In May 2009, he was named to the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame, which honors athletes, coaches and administrators who contributed to sports in southeastern Virginia.
On June 26, 2009, Mourning announced that he is returning to the Heat as the Vice President of Player Programs and Development. He will also mentor young players.
In April 2010, Mourning was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is a sports hall of fame located in Portsmouth, Virginia. Founded in 1972, it moved to its current location in 2005...
in recognition of his outstanding high school, collegiate, and professional career as well as his commitment to volunteer service in the communities in which he has lived and work during his life. http://vshfm.com/hall/induct_mourning.html
Career highlights
- NBA Champion: 2006
- All-NBA First Team: 1999
- All-NBA Second Team: 2000
- 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year: 1999, 2000
- 2-time NBA All-Defensive First Team: 1999, 2000
- 7-time NBA All-Star: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002
- Heat Franchise 2nd Leading Scorer with 9,459 points
- Led NBA in blocked shots: 3.91 bpg in 1999
- NBA All-Rookie 1st Team in 1993
- Won bronze at the 1990 FIBA World Championship1990 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 1990 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Argentina from August 8 to August 20, 1990.The competition final phase was held at the Luna Park, Buenos Aires.Yugoslavia emerged as the tournament winner...
with the US national team - Won gold at the 1994 FIBA World Championship1994 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 1994 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Canada from August 4 to August 14, 1994. The tournament was held at SkyDome and Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto as well as at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton...
and the 2000 Olympic GamesBasketball at the 2000 Summer Olympics-Group B:-Championship bracket:-Classification matches:-Preliminary round:The four best teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinal round.-Group A:-Group B:-Championship bracket:...
with the US national team
Kidney transplant
On November 25, 2003, Mourning's cousin and a retired U. S. MarineUnited States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
, Jason Cooper, was visiting Mourning's gravely ill grandmother in the hospital. Mourning's father was present and informed Cooper that Mourning was retiring that very same day from the NBA because of a life-threatening kidney disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a cause of nephrotic syndrome in children and adolescents, as well as an important cause of kidney failure in adults.It is also known as "focal glomerular sclerosis" or "focal nodular glomerulosclerosis"....
, the same problem that Sean Elliott
Sean Elliott
Sean Michael Elliott is a retired American professional basketball player in the NBA.-Early life:Elliott was born in Tucson, Arizona and was youngest of three boys. He was a very intelligent boy growing up and attended the G.A.T.E. program at Toleson Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona...
had in 1999. Cooper asked if there was anything he could do, and began to contemplate donating one of his kidneys to his estranged cousin, whom he had not seen in 25 years and whom he only knew through basketball. Cooper was tested for compatibility, along with many other family members and friends (including fellow NBA center and good friend Patrick Ewing
Patrick Ewing
Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. is a Jamaican-American retired Hall of Fame basketball player and current assistant coach for the National Basketball Association's Orlando Magic. He played most of his career with the NBA's New York Knicks as their starting center and played briefly with the Seattle...
); during his grandmother's funeral, Mourning received the news that Jason Cooper was a match.
Mourning received Cooper's left kidney on December 19, 2003.
Charitable work
In 1997, Mourning established Alonzo Mourning Charities Inc. to aid in the development of children and families living in at-risk situations and provides support and services that enhance the lives of youth of promise.After being diagnosed with focal glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Mourning launched Zo's Fund for Life, a campaign which seeks to raise funds for research, education, and testing to fight focal glomerulosclerosis. Funds are allocated toward research for a cure, education for doctors and the general public, testing for early detection and a fund for those not able to afford medication.
In 2007, Mourning along with Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi
Andre Kirk Agassi is a retired American professional tennis player and former world no. 1. Generally considered by critics and fellow players to be one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Agassi has been called the best service returner in the history of the game...
, Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
, Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong
Lance Edward Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, after having survived testicular cancer. He is also the founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and support...
, Warrick Dunn
Warrick Dunn
Warrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
, Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm
Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm is a retired American soccer player. Hamm played many years as a forward for the United States women's national soccer team and was a founding member of the Washington Freedom. Hamm has scored more international goals in her career than any other player, male or female,...
, Jeff Gordon
Jeff Gordon
Jeffery Michael "Jeff" Gordon is a professional NASCAR driver. He is the driver of the #24 Drive to End Hunger/DuPont/Pepsi Chevrolet Impala. He is a four-time Sprint Cup Series champion and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. He is third on the all-time wins list, with 85 career wins, and has the...
, Tony Hawk
Tony Hawk
Anthony Frank "Tony" Hawk , nicknamed "The Birdman" is an American retired professional skateboarder and actor. Hawk gained significant fame for completing the first 900 as well as his licensed video game titles distributed by Activision...
, Andrea Jaeger
Andrea Jaeger
Andrea Jaeger is a former World No. 2 professional tennis player from the United States whose brief but highly successful tennis career ended prematurely due to major shoulder injuries. Jaeger reached the singles final of Wimbledon in 1983 and the French Open in 1982...
, Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Jacqueline "Jackie" Joyner-Kersee is a retired American athlete, ranked among the all-time greatest athletes in the women's heptathlon as well as in the women's long jump. She won three gold, one silver, and two bronze Olympic medals, in those four different events...
, Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux, OC, CQ is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He is acknowledged to be one of the best players of all time. He played 17 seasons as a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League between 1984 and 2006...
, and Cal Ripken, Jr.
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr. , nicknamed "Iron Man", is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and third baseman. He played his entire 21-year baseball career for the Baltimore Orioles ....
founded Athletes for Hope, a charitable organization, which helps professional athletes get involved in charitable causes and inspires millions of non-athletes to volunteer and support the community.
In 2003 he has also founded the overtown Youth Center for underprivileged kids, located in Miami, Florida. The program aims to inspire, empower, and enrich these children while teaching them to become positive contributing citizens.
In 2009, the Miami-Dade school board
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools is a public school district serving Miami-Dade County, Florida. Founded in 1885, it is the largest school district in Florida and the Southeastern United States, and the fourth largest in the United States, with a student enrollment of 380,006 as of July 5, 2010...
named a new high school in North Miami, Florida
North Miami, Florida
North Miami is a suburban city located in northeast Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, about north of Miami. The city lies on Biscayne Bay and hosts the Biscayne Bay Campus of Florida International University, and the North Miami campus of Johnson & Wales University...
in his honor, Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus
Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Senior High Biscayne Bay Campus
Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Sr. High Biscayne Bay Campus is a secondary school in North Miami, Florida, United States which opened August 2009, built two blocks north of Florida International University's Biscayne Bay Campus. It is part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system. Built to relieve...
.
Personal life
Mourning and his wife Tracy have three children: a son named Alonzo III ("Trey"), a daughter named Myka Sydney, and a second son named Alijah (born September 18, 2009).In July 2011 Mourning was sued by Miami, Florida lawyer Spencer Aronfeld on behalf of Alberto Candoleria for crashing his car into another car and then leaving the scene of the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol later charged Mourning with leaving the scene of a car accident. The accident allegedly occurred after he left Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh
Christopher Wesson Bosh is an American professional basketball player who plays power forward for the Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association ....
's wedding in Miami Beach after 3:00 A.M. Candoleria had just been in an accident when Mourning struck his car. He did not know if he was in his car when Mourning hit him as he claimed to have amnesia.
Mourning lives in Coral Gables.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 1992–93
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 78 || 78 || 33.9 || .511 || .000 || .781 || 10.3 || 1.0 || .3 || 3.5 || 21.0
|-
| align="left" | 1993–94
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 60 || 59 || 33.6 || .505 || .000 || .762 || 10.2 || 1.4 || .4 || 3.1 || 21.5
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 77 || 77 || 38.2 || .519 || .324 || .761 || 9.9 || 1.4 || .6 || 2.9 || 21.3
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
| align="left" | Miami
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
| 70 || 70 || 38.2 || .523 || .300 || .685 || 10.4 || 2.3 || 1.0 || 2.7 || 23.2
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Miami
| 66 || 65 || 35.2 || .534 || .111 || .642 || 9.9 || 1.6 || .9 || 2.9 || 19.8
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
| align="left" | Miami
| 58 || 56 || 33.4 || .551 || .000 || .665 || 9.6 || .9 || .7 || 2.2 || 19.2
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | Miami
| 46 || 46 || 38.1 || .511 || .000 || .652 || 11.0 || 1.6 || .7 || 3.9 || 20.1
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Miami
| 79 || 78 || 34.8 || .551 || .000 || .711 || 9.5 || 1.6 || .5 || 3.7 || 21.7
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Miami
| 13 || 3 || 23.5 || .518 || .000 || .564 || 7.8 || .9 || .3 || 2.4 || 13.6
|-
| align="left" | 2001–02
| align="left" | Miami
| 75 || 74 || 32.7 || .516 || .333 || .657 || 8.4 || 1.2 || .4 || 2.5 || 15.7
|-
| align="left" | 2003–04
| align="left" | New Jersey
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
| 12 || 0 || 17.9 || .465 || .000 || .882 || 2.3 || .7 || .2 || .5 || 8.0
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | New Jersey
| 18 || 14 || 25.4 || .453 || .000 || .593 || 7.1 || .8 || .3 || 2.3 || 10.4
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Miami
| 19 || 3 || 12.9 || .516 || .000 || .564 || 3.7 || .2 || .2 || 1.7 || 5.0
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Miami
| 65 || 20 || 20.0 || .597 || .000 || .594 || 5.5 || .2 || .2 || 2.7 || 7.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Miami
| 77 || 43 || 20.4 || .560 || .000 || .601 || 4.5 || .2 || .2 || 2.3 || 8.6
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Miami
| 25 || 0 || 15.6 || .547 || .000 || .592 || 3.7 || .3 || .2 || 1.7 || 6.0
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 838 || 686 || 31.0 || .527 || .247 || .692 || 8.5 || 1.1 || .5 || 2.8 || 17.1
|-
| align="left" | All-Star
| align="left" |
| 4 || 1 || 18.8 || .545 || .000 || .667 || 4.8 || 1.0 || .8 || 2.0 || 10.0
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 1992–93
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 9 || 9 || 40.8 || .480 || .000 || .774 || 9.9 || 1.4 || .7 || 3.4 || 23.8
|-
| align="left" | 1994–95
| align="left" | Charlotte
| 4 || 4 || 43.5 || .421 || .500 || .837 || 13.3 || 2.8 || .8 || 3.2 || 22.0
|-
| align="left" | 1995–96
| align="left" | Miami
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
| 3 || 3 || 30.7 || .486 || .000 || .714 || 6.0 || 1.3 || .7 || 1.0 || 18.0
|-
| align="left" | 1996–97
| align="left" | Miami
| 17 || 17 || 37.1 || .491 || .375 || .555 || 10.2 || 1.1 || .6 || 2.7 || 17.8
|-
| align="left" | 1997–98
| align="left" | Miami
| 4 || 4 || 34.5 || .518 || .000 || .655 || 8.5 || 1.3 || .8 || 2.5 || 19.3
|-
| align="left" | 1998–99
| align="left" | Miami
| 5 || 5 || 38.8 || .521 || .000 || .653 || 8.2 || .8 || 1.6 || 2.8 || 21.6
|-
| align="left" | 1999–00
| align="left" | Miami
| 10 || 10 || 37.6 || .484 || .000 || .667 || 10.0 || 1.4 || .2 || 3.3 || 21.6
|-
| align="left" | 2000–01
| align="left" | Miami
| 3 || 3 || 30.3 || .480 || .000 || .579 || 5.3 || 1.0 || .0 || 1.7 || 11.7
|-
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Miami
| 15 || 2 || 16.9 || .705 || .000 || .558 || 4.8 || .3 || .3 || 2.2 || 6.1
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Miami
| 21 || 0 || 10.8 || .703 || .000 || .667 || 2.9 || .1 || .2 || 1.1 || 3.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Miami
| 4 || 0 || 13.8 || .909 || .000 || .385 || 2.0 || .3 || .0 || .8 || 6.3
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 95 || 57 || 27.3 || .512 || .368 || .649 || 7.0 || .9 || .5 || 2.3 || 13.6
See also
- List of National Basketball Association career blocks leaders
- List of National Basketball Association career playoff blocks leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career blocks leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season blocks leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career free throw scoring leaders
- List of NCAA Division I men's basketball players with 2000 points and 1000 rebounds