Knicks guard Mobley retires with bad heart

NEW YORK, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- New York Knicks guard Cuttino Mobley ended his 11-year NBA career Thursday because of a worsening heart condition.

The former second-round pick by the Houston Rockets out of Rhode Island in the 1998 NBA draft was acquired by the Knicks on Nov. 21 from the LA Clippers with forward Tim Thomas.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that Mobley, 33, underwent tests for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is a significant cause of cardiac death in young athletes.

He never suited up for the Knicks because the team was aware of his condition.

"Personally, I think it is the best decision if he has to retire," Thomas told the New York Daily News Wednesday. ""Basketball has been great to him (but) at this point, he has a son and a family and the most important thing is his health."

Mobley averaged 16 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 747 NBA games with Houston, the Knicks, Orlando and Sacramento.