New York Knicks guard Cuttino Mobley has informed the team that he will retire from professional basketball following extensive medical evaluations. It has been determined that Mobley has a heart condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that has progressed to the point where he can no longer play.

“The specialists I have seen made it clear that my heart condition has gotten worse, and I cannot continue to play professional basketball without putting my health and life in serious danger,” Mobley said. “As much as I want to keep playing in the NBA, I have no choice but to follow the advice of my doctors and step away from the League. I have had the privilege of playing in the NBA for 11 years, but my health and family must come first, and it is time to move on to the next stage in my life.

“This has definitely been a shocking situation for me, but I want my fans, friends and loved ones to know that I will be fine. My career has been a blessing and I am grateful to have had this experience.”

Mobley was acquired by New York, along with Tim Thomas, from the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 21, 2008 in exchange for Mardy Collins and Zach Randolph. Mobley never appeared in a game with the Knicks while undergoing additional medical testing prior to his retirement.

Mobley, 6-4, 215-pounds, was selected by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 1998 NBA Draft. The Philadelphia, PA-native ends his NBA career with averages of 16.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in 747 career games over 11 seasons with Houston, Orlando, Sacramento and L.A. Clippers.

Fan discussion of Cuttino Mobley's retirement is here.