Alonzo Mourning Retires - Thoughts On Zo & Press Conference

Yesterday, Alonzo Mourning retired after 15 seasons in the NBA with the Hornets, Heat, and Nets. Zo was the ultimate competitor and warrior, who came back to the NBA despite having a kidney transplant, which shows just how much determination and passion the man has. For his career, he averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and shot 52.7% from the floor. His best season was perhaps the '99-'00 season, which saw him average 21.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks, while shooting 55.1% from the floor. That season he posted a career high Player Efficiency Rating of 25.8. For his career, he ranks 37th all-time in Player Efficiency Rating(PER), right ahead of Allen Iverson and Paul Pierce. After Shaq & Jordan, you could make the arguement that Mourning at his peak was right up there with David Robinson and Karl Malone as possibly one of the top 5 players in the NBA from 1995-2001 for players who played in all those years. Had he not had to have a kidney transplant, he may have had an even better career, and would be thought of even more favorably than he is.

Zo was also a monster defensive player who ranks 42nd all-time in defensive rating and 6th in percentage of opponents shots blocked. So while Zo did get dunked on plenty of times, he was also one of the hardest players ever to score on. Zo's combination of solid offense and historically good defense got him selected to 7 All-Star games, 2 Defensive Player of The Year awards, 2 All-Defensive teams, 2 All-NBA Teams, and 2 Top three MVP finishes.

Zo was always one of my favorite NBA players, because he always played with so much passion out on the court. I distinctly remember him dominating a playoff series with the Miami Heat when I was younger. I couldn't tell you who they were playing or what year it was, but the image of Zo hitting turnaround jumpers and jump hooks over and over again and then running back down court is etched in my mind forever. It's at that time, I felt Zo was one of the best in the NBA without question.

Cuturally, he will forever be loved for his days with the Hornets when he teamed up with Larry Johnson and making the Hornets the freshest team in the NBA. You know the one team that isn't the best, but they are up and coming, young, and exciting; so they became the favorites of our generation for that part of the early 90's. This could also be known as "the team everyone wanted to play with in NBA Jam".

I respect the hell out of Alonzo Mourning and all he has been through and stands for. He seems like he has those "Ray Lewis type" leadership skills that he bring to his team, since he has such a commanding presence. I think he should be a Hall of Fame inductee without question. I salute Alonzo Mourning for his great career and all that he stands for. A great man and a great role model to draw inspiration from.