Mourning to report to training camp

Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Register Log in
Avery

Avery

JBB IDIOT!! GOSH!!!
Joined
Dec 21, 2003
Messages
2,761
Likes
0
Points
36
Mourning Making A Comeback?

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Michael Jordan had his tenth-of-a-percent. Alonzo Mourning has his ?miracle? ? the only circumstance, he says, that would allow him to entertain a return to the NBA.

His miracle ?is my doctor giving me his blessing to consider playing again,? says Mourning, eight months removed from receiving a kidney from his second cousin.

The magic words, the seven-time all-star center from Chesapeake admits, could entice him ? maybe, possibly ? to ?explore the option.? But only with a team certain to contend for the championship he hasn?t won.

?I had a Hall of Fame impact on the game, there?s no questioning that at all,? says Mourning, from Indian River High School. ?I played the game as hard as I could. It?s not urgent for me to get back out there and do anything.?

Lately, though, the buzz is that Mourning, 34, twice the NBA?s defensive player of the year, wants back in. Not necessarily with his last team, the New Jersey Nets. They?re dumping salary and reportedly plan to erase his after this season.

?They?ve already said they don?t want me back,? says Mourning, who joined the Nets last year from the Miami Heat for four seasons at about $5.5 million per, guaranteed.

Weakened from a three-year battle with kidney disease ? focal segmental glomerulosclerosis ? and anemia, Mourning played in a dozen games before he could play no more.

He had his transplant Dec. 19. Eight months later, Mourning runs. He lifts weights. He plays pickup basketball ? and a little softball and golf for charity, as he did locally the past few days.</div>

<div align="center">Link</div>
 
I love Zo & all, but the Nets have made it pretty clear they dont want him back. And I have to agree, no need to kill cap trying to make a comeback on a team that wont be legit championship contenders per say, but I do think Zo should return and try to contend for a championship. The problem is what championship team would give up a member of their team to gain an aging Center trying to make a comeback. The Pacers, Rockets, Wolves, and even Zo former team the Heat, have holes in their frontlines but I doubt they would be willing to take the risk of Zo's contract, if the comeback doesnt work out.
 
I think the Nets should give him a real long look. It has to be very extensive and thorough before they let him rejoin. Before he left, he didn't even look like a 1/20th of what he once was. I'd wish him the best, but I don't think the Nets can risk him trying to making a comeback and failing. I want him to make the comeback, but perhaps trading him to a team that can risk it is better, such as the Mavs.

Obviously I didn't read the article clear enough. Mourning doesn't want back with the Nets. I hope we trade him to a team that could use him.

<font color="Blue">Please use the 'edit' button - Ice</font>
 
Obviously I didn't read the article clear enough. Mourning doesn't want back with the Nets. I hope we trade him to a team that could use him.
 
i would love to see him play on the heat at pf with shaq( and you know the battles these guys had just to see them playing on the same team like in the worlds) or at least backup center whre his minutes would be reduced and shaqs finally get that decent backup. Or would like to see him in Detroit being that they lost okur but that team is filled with big men. But the best one would be with the Timberwolves playing along side Garnett when olowkandi aint feeling it
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">[quote name='NJNetz']i would love to see him play on the heat at pf with shaq( and you know the battles these guys had just to see them playing on the same team like in the worlds) or at least backup center whre his minutes would be reduced and shaqs finally get that decent backup.</div>

On a personal not Miami would be the best place for Zo to go. Of course because of the history he has with the Heat. And the community of Miami. He still owns his home down their etc. He would be an excellent fit backing up Shaq and playing alongside Shaq because Zo has that mid-range jumper from the elbow and high post which would really create a little space for Shaq down low. But Iam not really for sure they have anything to give up all their players are mainly new acquistions. And the rest of players are going to be real keys to their team. Iam pretty sure that all you need to acquire Zo from the Nets is an expiring contract but Miami doesnt have one.


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Or would like to see him in Detroit being that they lost okur but that team is filled with big men.</div>

The Pistons probably dont want nor need him, they recently signed Mcdyess to add to their frontline. And traded for DC, so their frontline is pretty full right now.Plus I wouldnt trade him to the top team in the Conference.


<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But the best one would be with the Timberwolves playing along side Garnett when olowkandi aint feeling it</div>

From an on-court situation Zo would really help their weak center spot. But I dont think they will be adding any more unrealistic contracts this year after the money they gave Hudson, and Hassell. They dont really have anything to give up in a trade to us, no expiring contracts etc. Plus I heard they were going after Kurt Thomas who is a more safer choice than Zo.

I think nextlevelgame had a good Idea with Dallas because they have Christian Laettner's expiring contract to give in return. And thats probably all it would take.
 
its a bad idea getting him back because he is like a bomb that can blow up any second. its too much of a gamble.
 
i'm a fan of Zo's and would love to see him back out on the court. however he is not the player he used to be back in miami/charlotte days.

but still could be a good backup centre playing limited minutes for a number of teams.
 
[quote name='Henacy']<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">

On a personal not Miami would be the best place for Zo to go. Of course because of the history he has with the Heat. And the community of Miami. He still owns his home down their etc. He would be an excellent fit backing up Shaq and playing alongside Shaq because Zo has that mid-range jumper from the elbow and high post which would really create a little space for Shaq down low. But Iam not really for sure they have anything to give up all their players are mainly new acquistions. And the rest of players are going to be real keys to their team. Iam pretty sure that all you need to acquire Zo from the Nets is an expiring contract but Miami doesnt have one.

I think nextlevelgame had a good Idea with Dallas because they have Christian Laettner's expiring contract to give in return. And thats probably all it would take.</div>

dallas would be a great place for him but i doubt he could run the floor. but they would get the center that they always needed but not in the shape they would have wanted.
 
The guy had so much heart on the court, but I think he should stay retired. Too risky for his health IMO. The season is just too long and streneous for him to handle.. He needs to think about his wife and family first. I dont doubt his skills and competitive nature on the floor, but I think he will put his health and family in jeopardy if he plays
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NJNetz:</div><div class="quote_post">dallas would be a great place for him but i doubt he could run the floor. but they would get the center that they always needed but not in the shape they would have wanted.</div>


Dont forget Steve Nash isnt there to push the ball like he does this year, so they will probably be forced into alot more half-court situations now, thats when someone like Zo could really help them. He would also have an affect on booth and those other Dallas bigs who lack some in the tuffness area. It would be good for Dallas to have someone with Zo's mentality to help Dallas become tuffer on D and in the mental aspect of the game.
 
It would be nice if he could rejoin Miami. Now to backup Shaq basically, but it would be nice to see him in a familiar uniform. Zo would also do well in Dallas and like Henacy said, he would bring the mental toughness the team needs and maybe teach the young guys there how to do things the right way.
 
I think he would be a good fit for the Lakers as a veteran maybe help out chris mihm but we also have vlade so i dont know.
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheNextJordan8:</div><div class="quote_post">I think he would be a good fit for the Lakers as a veteran maybe help out chris mihm but we also have vlade so i dont know.</div>
thats not a bad idea and they can give us somebody decent but dont think they have any contract that would match Mournings contract
 
but everyone say that so much, who should Zo to be traded for?
 
If somehow we dont end up getting Mutombo, I think Mourning would be a great fit in Houston...but I'd love to see him with a contender...Dallas makes sense, even in sacramento...As long as he gets a chance to come back and go out on his own terms, I'm all for it...
 
I would want to see him stay retired and take care of his health, but Zo is one of the players who should get a ring before they retires. So if he's not going to a contender, it's not a wise move. Miami is a good choice just because they have Shaq and of course for sentimental reasons.
 
Nets should give him a chance. never know, he might be what they need to almost replace k-mart. but thats not going to happen. i read that the nets dont want him to come back and want him to retire. which imo is stupid because they are looking for a pf/c
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NJNetz:</div><div class="quote_post">they want to cut cost thats why they dont want him back</div>
His contract is still on the team cap though so he is still getting paid either way isnt he? That is what was happenning last time I heard about it if they want to cut costs they need to trade his contract to some team. Someone that would be intrested in it in the future like mabye the clippers considering its size when it runs out it will mean huge cap room.
 
they want him to retire or stay injured so they can collect on their insurance
wink.gif
 
Alonzo plans comeback with Nets

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Nets' need for size in the wake of Kenyon Martin's departure could be helped by the big man they thought would enhance their size a year ago: Alonzo Mourning.

The seven-time All-Star center, who announced his retirement 12 games into last season to undergo a kidney transplant, is expected to announce as early as this week his intention to return, a league source indicated Monday.

And because he has three years remaining on the four-year, $22.6 million deal he signed 13? months ago, he still belongs to the Nets. The question, though, is if he does come back at age 34, would he be part of the post-Martin solution or just the tease he was last season.


"If he can play, if he's healthy and can play, obviously it's very good [for the Nets]," said team CEO Rod Thorn, who said he hasn't been told of a Mourning comeback but that "It wouldn't surprise me."

"Alonzo Mourning wants to come back," the source said. "He's going to make an attempt."

Either way, the Nets have to pay 'Zo the more than $17 million remaining on his contract because his kidney condition prevented them from insuring the deal. Part of their plan to create salary-cap room after this season, however, was to apply to remove him from the cap, as league rules allow them to do if he doesn't play for two straight seasons.

If he plays, or perhaps even if he tries to, that two-year clock stops ticking and the Nets would lose more than $5 million from a cap-room stash of as much as $30 million they could have to spend on free agents after this season.

"It's going to be what it's going to be," Thorn said. "If he tries to come back, we'll see what happens."

A post-kidney transplant return, however, would not be unprecedented. Sean Elliott returned to the Spurs during 2000 eight months after his August 1999 transplant. He played 19 games before retiring.

Mourning underwent his surgery Dec. 19, almost 8? months ago.

If he does play, Mourning would join a front line severely weakened by Martin's departure for Denver. Incumbent centers Jason Collins (who started ahead of Mourning last season) and Aaron Williams remain, with free agent Eric Williams, 2002 first-round pick Nenad Krstic, and rookie free agent Kyle Davis among the power forward candidates.

Agent Jeffrey Wechlser, meanwhile, would not confirm or deny whether Mourning would be making an announcement about his future and said his client was "out of the country" Monday. He also wouldn't say whether he's been in contact with the Nets about a Mourning comeback, while Thorn said he hasn't spoken to Mourning in "quite a while."

Almost three months ago, Mourning said that "barring a miracle," it was "not my intention" to make a comeback. Yet, he has been working out all summer and played in his Miami charity game.

He averaged 8.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 17.9 minutes in his 12 games with the Nets last season.
</div>

What does this spell?

<font color="Red">Thread merged, pretty much the same topic just a updated article, so I merged, Thanks for the find tho- Henacy</font>
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Pure Skillz:</div><div class="quote_post">His contract is still on the team cap though so he is still getting paid either way isnt he? That is what was happenning last time I heard about it if they want to cut costs they need to trade his contract to some team. Someone that would be intrested in it in the future like mabye the clippers considering its size when it runs out it will mean huge cap room.</div>

yeah but if he stay the way he is they will collect and he will not be on their salary cap
 
Well, I dont know what to say about this it seems, like Rob Thorn & the Nets have losen their stance about not wanting him to comeback at all. But it still didnt seem like Thorn was overly excited. I think we should continue/or start (if we havent) shopping Zo around to championship contenders and see if they want to bite. Even if Zo does comback to the Nets next year and plays decent, it still isnt worth it because Zo is a minute to minute, game to game, season to season player, so its to big of a risk having him the rest of that 17mill on the cap over the next 2 or 3 seasons. Even if he does get thru next year, we will be back next offseason wondering if he will play in the 2005-2006 season, except even if he doesnt play, he will still be on the cap for that year. Which he wont be if we trade him now or he stays retired.

I think a team like Minny would maybe just bite on a trade for Zo. If Zo would comeback and give them 8.0pts and 4rebs & halfway decent defense(which we all know Zo can still bring) then thats much more then they got out of the center spot last year with EJ and Kandiman. So if they bring Zo back and he is the small missing part to their championship hopes then it benefits them even if he never plays again after the 04-05 season. I dont know who they would depart with probably Ervin Johnson because it would work under the cap.And his contract is garunteed to end at the end of the year, which is what we will need in a trade for Zo. But EJ gave their best effort at the center spot last year with Kandiman being spaced out. So Iam not forsure how intent Mchale would be giving up EJ for a risk like Zo with their center spot being so thin. If Zo goes down during the year then that just leaves Kandi as their only legit center. But Thorn needs to get on the horn with Mchale and try to preserve our cap space for next offseason.

I got nothing but love and respect for Zo but the chances of him being the bigman to put us back in the eastern conference drivers sit is slim. So it isnt really worth it for him to make his comeback with us.
 
I hate to see Zo fail again. A warrior like him deserves a ring and he's not going to get one in NJ. He already failed himself and team once and I'm sure he was devastated. I hate for it to happen again. You have to put him in a team wherein he's a back up center and not the starting center wherein he has to defend the top big men of the league night in and night out.
 
zo' is played good. but then again hope he doesn't get his kidney in trouble again. not a lot of kidneys are there just for him
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">zo' is played good. but then again hope he doesn't get his kidney in trouble again. not a lot of kidneys are there just for him</div>

What are you talking about?
 
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Mourning Will Attend Camp


Mourning
East Rutherford, NJ, Sept. 1 -- Seven-time NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning will participate in the Nets? 2004-05 training camp in an attempt to revive his NBA career, Nets? CEO Rod Thorn announced today.

?We look forward to Alonzo joining the Nets in training camp," said Thorn. "Hopefully he will be able to resume his career and play at the high level he has in the past.?

?I am feeling great and am excited about attending training camp and possibly resuming my career, said Mourning.?

Mourning, who signed with the Nets prior to the 2003-04 season, played in 12 games for New Jersey before he was forced to stop playing basketball on November 25, 2003 due to focal glomerulosclerosis. On December 19, 2003, Mourning underwent kidney transplant surgery in which he was given a kidney donated by his cousin. In 12 games for New Jersey, Mourning averaged 8.0 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 17.9 mpg.</div><div align="center">Link</div>


Zo returning to the NBA would be good for the Nets bcuz they finally get to use him after paying him so much for nothing, especially after their offseason, but only IF Mourning can remain healthy. If I remember correctly, Alonzo's contract doesn't take part in the team's salary cap, but if he returns, get's injured and cannot return, his contract will go back into and stay in effect on the teams cap, so that would suck.


Both the Nets and Alonzo would be taking big risks by him returning but hopefully everything works out for the best.

<font color="Red">Thread merged, because I know that the Zo comeback will be a hot topic for the rest of what has been interesting off season for us. The Zo comeback will bring some negetive and some positive feedback and debates. So I would like for everyone to get their updates and opinions off in the same thread.

So please, for the future everyone please post your Zo comeback articles and opinions etc all in this thread, thanks guys.And thanks, Heatfan for the article- Henacy</font>
 
I've always been a fan of Mourning's but at this point I don't think he has anything left in the tank. I think he should've just called it a career (a very good one).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top