Ranking the best Miami Heat players from 2000-2009
By Cory Sanning
3. Alonzo Mourning
Stats (2000-2002, 2004-2008): 10.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 54 percent from the field
Let me be very clear: Mourning’s numbers from this decade will not blow anyone’s mind.
Mourning arrived in Miami during the early stages of the 1995 season following a trade from the Charlotte Hornets. Pairing him with the electric Tim Hardaway, the Heat experienced several successful seasons, but ultimately fell short of their championship aspirations.
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Mourning never averaged above 15.7 points per game for a season for the remainder of his career, but remained the sole reason the Heat rose to relevance in the late 1990s.
In terms of health, the early 2000s were not kind to Mourning.
Just prior to the 2000-01 season, he was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and was forced to sit for the first five months of the season. He returned in March and appeared in 13 games, but the Heat fell to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round. Mourning appeared in 75 games the following year despite his kidney disease, earning himself a spot in the 2002 NBA All Star Game.
With that being said, Miami would fail to make the playoffs, and Mourning’s health only worsened the following year, where he missed the entire season. His expiring contract was not renewed, and in 2003, Mourning signed with the New Jersey Nets.
A circus then ensued, as Mourning retired from the NBA due to complications from his kidney. He would return for the 2004-05 season, but openly complained to the media that he wanted out of New Jersey.
His request was granted, and on Feb. 11, 2005, Mourning was traded to the Toronto Raptors and subsequently did not report to the team. Following a buyout, Mourning returned to the Heat on a veteran’s minimum salary and would remain there for the rest of his career, helping capture the franchise’s first championship in 2006.
He would officially retire from the NBA on Jan. 22, 2009, leaving behind a legacy that has been enshrined in Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Mourning was the definition of a warrior, and overcame many hardships to get where he is now. That alone is incredibly inspiring.