Harris activated to take Mourning’s spot

On Monday, it was announced that Mourning will no longer be able to continue his professional basketball career because of an existing medical condition.

Mourning, who missed the entire 2002-03 campaign with a kidney disorder, is expected to undergo a kidney transplant soon. The 33-year-old Georgetown product was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 2000, a disease that causes chronic kidney failure.

The seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year left the Miami Heat and signed a four-year, $22 million contract with the Nets last July. He was cleared to play in May after a physical examination.

Mourning was originally selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round (second pick overall) of the 1992 NBA Draft. He was traded by the Hornets along with Pete Myers and LeRon Ellis in November 1995 to the Heat for Glen Rice, Matt Geiger, Khalid Reeves, and a 1996 first-round draft pick.

Mourning, who was in his 12th NBA season, was also a member of the gold medal winning 2000 Team USA Olympic Team and was named the 2000 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year.

In 12 games this season, Mourning averaged 17.9 minutes, 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per contest.

Harris has yet to play this season because of pain in his lower back. In 77 contests last year for the Nets, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per contest.