Alonzo Mourning was one of the NBA’s more dominant centers in the 1990s.  He became a strong figure in Miami, after proving to be a strong defensive player and being named to the NBA All-Defensive Team.  Although Mourning’s career lasted until 2008, it was almost cut short in 2003.

On this day, November 25th, in 2003, Alonzo Mourning announced his retirement from the NBA  as result of complications from kidney disease.  At that point, Mourning was still a dominant player, coming off three straight All-Star appearances.  At the end of the year, Mourning had a successful kidney transplant and looked to return to the NBA.

Mourning returned to the league as a strong veteran presence.  In 2006 he helped assist the Miami Heat in winning the NBA Championship.