Print
Back for More
Mutombo planning to delay retirement at least one more season
Adjust Font Size
Damien Pierce
Rockets.com Staff Writer
HOUSTON -- Dikembe Mutombo walked off the practice court Tuesday afternoon with several blotches of blood covering his Rockets practice jersey.
"Tough practice," Mutombo chuckled.
Just not tough enough to sway him from doing it all over again next season.
Mutombo plans on wagging his finger for at least one more season.
The Rockets center decided over the NBA All-Star break with his family that he isn't ready to hang up his sneakers after 16 seasons in the league.
He confirmed his decision after Tuesday's practice.
"I will play next year," Mutombo said. "My hope is that I will play here (in Houston)."
Mutombo, the league's oldest player at 40, didn't want to leave behind the game because he is having too much fun.
The Rockets center has helped keep Houston among the top teams in the Western Conference even though Yao Ming has missed almost two months with a fractured right tibia.
Mutombo has rejuvenated his career in the process.
"I'm enjoying it," Mutombo said. "I'm really enjoying it. After spending time with the family, I asked myself if should I do this thing again? It's a hard process travelling all the time and being away from them. I had a nice talk with my wife and my kids and I told them that I would like to play again. They were very supportive about that position."
Since filling in for Yao, the 7-foot center is averaging 5.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. He moved past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar earlier this season into second place on the NBA's all-time blocked shots list, although he said he won't play long enough to catch Hakeem Olajuwon.
Mutombo's ability to play extended minutes has surprised opponents.
"The big guy still understands the game and who he is," Charlotte coach Bernie Bickerstaff said after a recent game. "He gets to the paint and he knows how to pay off when he is inside. I'm so proud of the years he has put in. His durability and understanding of the game is amazing."
Mutombo is expected to remain in the starting lineup for possibly two more weeks with Yao still recovering from his injury.
During All-Star weekend, Yao said he could possibly return in two weeks. He practiced with the team Wednesday, but did not participate in any contract drills. The Rockets center was going to have his leg examined Wednesday to see when he might be able to return.
Mutombo isn't worried about whatever workload awaits him.
"A lot of people are still amazed by my approach to the game and the minutes that I'm putting up," Mutombo said. "After 16 years, some people think that I shouldn't be playing 30 minutes per game. All it takes is hard work."
