Mourning undecided on return to Miami



Alonzo Mourning is close to deciding if he'll play for the Miami Heat next season, saying Saturday that the choice hinges somewhat on other unresolved matters that will affect the franchise's immediate future.

Foremost on that list? Mourning wants to know if Heat coach Pat Riley will be back on the sideline.

"That's definitely a factor," Mourning said. "Stay tuned."

Mourning did not specifically say he'll be back only if Riley returns, or that he'd definitely retire if Riley steps aside. At a promotional appearance for his upcoming Zo's Summer Groove fundraiser, Mourning told fans — some of whom spent more than two hours waiting outside a supermarket a few miles north of downtown Miami — he's still simply weighing options.

"My thought would be, that since he hasn't expressed anything to this point, we're hopeful he plans to give it another run," Heat general manager Randy Pfund said.

Riley's timetable for his own decision isn't known, but many Heat players, including Shaquille O'Neal, have said in recent weeks they expect him to coach at least one more year.

On April 30, after the 2006 NBA champions were swept from this year's playoffs by the Chicago Bulls, Mourning said he planned to quickly decide about next season. He has a player option worth $2.75 million. Mourning has said his family would be supportive if he chose to play.

Now, nearly two months have passed, and his plans are still undetermined.

"I really haven't decided," Mourning said to one man while taking a quick break from carefully signing basketballs, shirts, hats and photos. "I'm going to make a decision soon. Very soon."

Heat, Los Angeles Lakers could have interesting draft day

The draft-day dance between the Heat and Los Angeles Lakers could be interesting, with the Los Angeles Lakers selecting at No. 19 and the Heat at No. 20.

Both teams need help at point guard, but both also are in win-now modes, which could extend the battle for floor leadership into the July 1 start of free agency.

Among the prospects who have auditioned for both is Georgia Tech's Javaris Crittenton, who could be available at No. 19 ... and No. 20.

With the Los Angeles Lakers to allow Smush Parker to depart as a free agent, it leaves rookie Jordan Farmar, a player obtained with the 2006 first-round pick mined from the Heat in the Shaquille O'Neal trade, as their leading current candidate to start at point guard.

"We like Jordan Farmar," Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We think he has a bright future in this league, but having said that, we probably need another ballhandling guard."

In the second round, the Heat picks No. 39 and the Los Angeles Lakers No. 40.

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