Truth & Rumors > NBA

Mutombo's future uncertain

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Center Dikembe Mutombo has told the team he will decide in the next two weeks whether to retire or return for an 18th season. Guard Steve Francis on Wednesday exercised an option on a second year of his contract, as he announced he would in January, though it will take much longer before the Rockets know what Francis can offer as he attempts to return from surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon in his right knee.

Houston Chronicle

Dikembe Mutombo , AP Dikembe Mutombo , AP
May 8, 2008  08:50 AM ET

Mutombo is one of the most underrated players of his time. All players should try to follow his lead and make a difference in the ways that he has.

May 8, 2008  09:39 AM ET

Mutombo is 52 yrs old.....

May 8, 2008  09:52 AM ET

"Mutombo is one of the most underrated players of his time"

I disagree- he's though of exactly as he should be
A GREAT defensive center who has no offensive game

May 8, 2008  10:31 AM ET

I think think Mutombo was underrated this season because I don't think anyone expected this 41 year old guy to play as well as he did. Of course he should expect his minutes to be cut next season when Yao returns.

May 8, 2008  10:53 AM ET

He's had a good career . He's 60 years old now. Time to buy a Big Screen and a comfortable chair to WATCH the NBA on ABC.

May 8, 2008  11:04 AM ET

Mutombo will be missed, but he probably should retire so the Rockets can get a younger backup center who can start when/if (more when) Yao goes down. I would like Mutombo to use his huge hands and smother T-Mac with a pillow on his way out though. (like that scene in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest)

May 8, 2008  12:47 PM ET

Dikembe Mutombo puts all of these crybaby, me me me players to shame. We'll miss you and your finger wagging.

May 8, 2008  12:52 PM ET

I don't blame him for doing this, but it's clear Francis exercised that option just to wring the last few drops out of his contract. He'll never set foot on the court for more than five minutes in a real game again. Nor should he, because he's past his prime.

May 8, 2008  01:02 PM ET

Please play one more season for us Mutombo!

May 8, 2008  02:53 PM ET

MUTUMBO is awesome; 41 and can still play decently in the NBA. That is impressive. I have seen much worst playing center in the NBA, especially when you go to 2nd string.

May 8, 2008  03:12 PM ET

Mutombo- Stay. Francis- Go.

May 8, 2008  03:28 PM ET

Thank you Dikembe for your years of dutiful service to the NBA. I hate you for what you did to my Sonics way back when, but I'm over that now.

It's sad that there are not more players in the league with as much class, passion, and unselfish desire as Dikembe. Best wishes on your impending retirement. :)

May 8, 2008  05:32 PM ET

ONE MORE YEAR!!! Great Players deserve championships.

DO IT FOR DIKEMBE!! We need you Mutombo. We believe!!

May 8, 2008  05:36 PM ET

Yes, Francis Go...Let's trade him to get Vince Carter re-united with McGrady. We have chemistry in place and don't need someone trying to ball hog for some of the spotlight.

Only keep Francis if he can be a viable backup to Rafer Alston. I'm sorry, but Bobby Jackson has missed too many crucial shots to be the backup we need.

Adelman is too slow to make adjustments and tends to give up at the end of games.

May 8, 2008  05:40 PM ET

I like Mutumbo. He doesn't have the offensive game that Yao Ming has but he kicked butt on defense. Whatever he chooses he deserves that opportunity.

May 9, 2008  04:54 AM ET

A good defender is alwayz needed. So if Mount M feels like he wants to play, let him play. See how they won 22 games without Yao, that says it all

 
May 9, 2008  01:35 PM ET

It is incredible that this ancient relic is still playing basketball. His conditioning regimine and dedication to the game are uncanny. He is the George Blanda of the NBA.

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