Alonzo Mourning, Developers Break Ground For Overtown Housing Project
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Heat's Alonzo Mourning went on the record on Monday regarding the team's current superstar, Dwyane Wade, and his future with the team.
And while Mourning has his eye on basketball, his focus is on something even bigger.
Zo the developer is breaking ground on a project to build affordable housing in Miami, and Zo the basketball executive has faith that when it comes to D-Wade, the Heat will make the right call.
"I can see that you all weren't expecting me to come," joked Mourning as he spoke to the media on Monday. "You brought the smallest podium in the city."
Mourning joked about his small speaking space before joining a parade of politicians in a big announcement.
Mourning is a partner in a project to build brand new affordable housing in Overtown.
"When you think the average income per family here in this community and the lack of resources that are here in this community and all the statistics that aren't favorable statistics, these people need a helping hand," said Mourning.
As for Wade, he has lent the Heat a hand over the years by taking a series of salary cuts.
Now, the Heat star reportedly wants his big payday.
Mourning wouldn't predict if Wade will stay or go, but he proclaimed his faith in the team that employed him as a player, and now as a spokesman.
"I think we've gotten to where we are as an organization because of us making the right decisions," explained Mourning.
The Heat reportedly is trying to trade Mario Chalmers and Chris 'Birdman' Andersen to free up money to keep Wade.
In the meantime, social media has gone hysterical with everything Wade; from his dad wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers T-shirt to Wade liking the team on Instagram.
"I'm not a part of social media," said Mourning. "I'm not on Facebook, I'm not on Twitter, Instagram or anything like that. To tell you the truth, it's the least of my concerns."
It took years of finagling for Mourning and his business partners to nail down this housing deal.
Zo sounds confident that the Heat's basketball chieftain can do the same for D-Wade.
"Anything worth having in life, you've got to make tough decisions," Mourning added. "I think we have the man to do it, and that's Pat Riley."
Wade and the Heat are due to meet this week or next to discuss his contract situation.
After that, we should have a better idea of which way the wind is blowing.