With Alonzo Mourning suffering a torn patella tendon in is right knee on Wednesday night, things keep getting worse for the Miami Heat. Chances are Mourning will never play again. At 37 years old, Mourning had previously stated that this would be his last season in the NBA. With this injury, his season may be shorter than expected.
He was hurt while defending the basket against Mario West of the Atlanta Hawks. As West drove in for lay up, Mourning went to jump, only to have his knee buckle underneath him.
After making a name for himself as a Georgetown University Hoya, Mourning was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1992 draft. He was drafted extremely high, second only to Shaquille O'Neal.
Mourning spent only three years in Charlotte, when he was traded to the Miami Heat. Here he made a name for himself, suiting up for seven seasons. He averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game and was well known for his spectacular shot blocking abilities. While with Miami, he was twice named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and named to the All-NBA First Team.
In 2000, Mourning's health took a turn and he was diagnosed with a kidney disease that caused him to sit out for several months of play. He did return, but when his condition worsened, he was forced to sit on the bench for the 2002 to 2003 season. After this, the Heat did not opt to renew his contract.
In 2003, Mourning signed with the New Jersey Nets, but he was soon forced into retirement because of his condition. Shortly after retirement, he underwent a kidney transplant and returned to the Nets in 2004.
Mourning was unhappy in New Jersey, and made it well known that he wanted out of the Nets franchise. He eventually got his wish and returned to the Miami Heat in 2005. Here, he once again served in a "secondary" role to Shaquille O'Neal. But, Mourning made the most of his minutes and was a force on both offense and defense. He also helped the Heat win a championship in 2006.
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