Retiring Numbers

Last night's injury to Alonzo Mourning probably spells the end of his career. In all likelihood, Zo's #33 will be hung from the rafters at the AAA as the first Heat player to have his jersey retired by the franchise. Many of you may know that he won't be the first NBA player to have his jersey retired by the Heat, as Michael Jordan owns that distinction.

My question is, after Alonzo's number is retired for good, what next for the Miami Heat? Is there anyone on this roster who will have that same opportunity? I believe franchises build their image through consistent rosters of good players who stick around for several years. Miami has been unfortunate in that most of the players we've celebrated around here haven't stayed very long. Rice, Smith, Caron, Odom, etc.

Shaquille O'Neal only has 3 years left on his contract and likely his career. Barring some major injury or a trade that we just can't turn down, he will have finished his last 6 years of his career with the Miami Heat. Considering he has been past his prime, it is unlikely he will do anything notable other than have helped bring us a title in 05-06. When he retires, will he have done enough to earn his #32 being retired from this team? I'd say not, but it's a difficult decision that the organization must make. I don't think you ever want to burn a bridge with a guy like Shaq, though obviously by then the impact of a rocky relationship with him won't be as big as it would be now.

Finally, we've got the future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade leading our team. There is no doubt that if he sticks around for his entire career, or at least most of it, Dwyane will get his number retired. He is clearly the best player the franchise has ever had and has brought us one title and with the right moves, has the potential to bring us a couple more. However, it is not a sure bet that he will stay after his contract is up. This team is a mess and is strapped for cap space with O'Neal's massive contract hindering us from making any moves to help Wade out. Hopefully this draft can provide some talent and maybe Riles can swindle someone into taking our trash.