Israel Gutierrez of the Miami Herald reports that Alonzo Mourning feels it is only a matter of time before he steps back on the court.

''A lot of it is going to be based on how I feel, but eventually I think the doctors will possibly give me the thumbs up and pretty much put it in my hands when I'm ready to step back out there,'' Mourning said. ``They're very optimistic. I am, as well.

``I'm very confident that I will be able to step back on the court again. It's only a matter of time.''

The question is: Where will he play?

Mourning is free to sign with any team, but his first choice would be Miami.

''My heart is in Miami,'' he said. ``I have a huge amount of respect for [coach] Pat Riley and [owner] Micky Arison, and I appreciate everything they've done for me and I hope they appreciate everything I've done for them.

``But they knew that this day was going to come. Unfortunately, under the circumstances of my health, it's come at a different light, but at the same time I think I'm a smart enough man to deal with it and just move on.''

Via Miami Herald

Miami Heat

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