Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning, out since December 19 with a torn patella tendon in his right knee and a torn quadriceps in the same leg, said in an interview with the team website Monday that he has decided to retire.

Mourning had already announced in July that the 2007-2008 season would be his final one in the NBA, and after suffering his injuries while attempting to block a shot in the first period of Miami's December 19 game at Atlanta, the 16-year veteran has opted not to try and rehab himself for another season.

"Yes. I'm retired," Mourning said. "This is it for me."

Mourning averaged 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 24 games for Miami before his injury. For his career, Mourning has averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in 837 games with the Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets and Miami.