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On October 16, 2000, our HEAT center, two time Defensive Player of the Year, top HEAT rebounder and leading scorer announced he had focal glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease that in 50% of patients would eventually require a transplant.
He was expected to miss the entire season, but suddenly was able to return, and he did. Although Heat fans were excited and expected the Heat to make it to the finals, they were one of the two teams that made it to the playoffs but who came the furthest from reaching that goal. Swept by an average of almost 17 points per game. This very defense oriented team had no way to stop Charlotte.
Although I expected Zo's return to help the Heat out tremendously, it really didn't. It has been said that he actually hurt the team. If you look back in the season, you see how it took a while for the Heat to "gel" and work together. They started off 6-10 and it wasnt until they finally broke out from an 18-15 record to climb and secure the East's #3 seed. But when Zo came back, that gel was diluted.
The Heat were still up and down once Zo returned. Anthony Mason, who had dominated down low faded away as he was pushed further from the basket where Alonzo now stood. Brian Grant remained pretty consistent as his true role, a power forward. But Jones and Hardaway were beaten and hurting as the season winded down.
Once again the familiar phrase remains - Maybe next year. A new small forward and possibly point guard are necessary. But how will Mourning play? Better? Worse? Or, like Sean Elliot, will he be retiring? I think he has many bright years ahead.
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Any Heat or NBA fan would certainly agree that Alonzo Mourning plays a key role in the Miami Heat franchise. Active or inactive, the Miami Heat center is generally the powerhouse of this talented squad. While most players only specialize in mainly one area (defense or offense), Alonzo Mourning was the rebounding, blocking, and scoring catalyst for the Miami team last year in addition to his previous years wearing a Heat uniform. Alonzo Mourning deserves to be accredited for being the Miami Heat's key figure ever since he arrived to the Sunshine State. Having the capability of being a relentless factor on the boards and scoring-wise makes this former Charlotte Hornet the most skilled athlete on the team and one of the most talented in the NBA.
What's great about Zo is that he is a role model to the community and all NBA fans as well as the one who provides the most inspirational cheering for the team. He is aware of his serious situation, but that doesn't prevent him from going to each game with his team, cheering them on, and staying highly positive spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. He reaches out to the community by donating money to needy funds and special purposed charities.
Alonzo Mourning hosts Zo's Summer Grove; An event that takes place each summer, letting Heat Fans join in on great events and festivities like music and family games. As you can see, anyone who's never even seen Alonzo Mourning can get the indication that he does possess leadership qualities. He's equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience of being a true leader to the Miami Heat team.
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