Steve Francis told the Houston Chronicle that his friend Cuttino Mobley is despondent over the possibility of early retirement.

Mobley has an enlarged heart that could force him to retire.

"That's the same ailment he has played with his whole career," said Francis. "It's terrible. He didn't sound too good today.

"It's tough. I know how much he loves playing basketball. I don?t know how he'd react. He's close to a decision."