We Want Zo

Dear Zo:

First off, we respect whatever you and your families' decision may be, we thank you for all the great memories you gave us, and for helping to bring a championship to Miami. We're forever grateful and would ask of nothing more if you decided to retire today.

With that said, I, as well as many people here, are huge fans of you and the Miami Heat. And, if we've learned anything since you returned here in 2004, it's that your a big part of of the reason why Miami is hoisting up the Larry O'Brien Trophy. There is no other Center in the NBA that can match your energy and intensity. There is no other Center in the NBA that plays championship-caliber defense around the rim like you do. Especially not after all you've been through. I remember saying to myself when you were starting in place of an injured Shaq, "Man, I can't remember the last time the NBA saw a legitimate DPOY like Zo". Seriously, we saw how much credibility the award lost when you made your way back to Miami. That a 36yr old player, who's suffered through a lot of injuries, was outplaying the NBA's supposed best defenders.

I'm here today, on behalf of Heat and Zo fans everywhere, asking that you return for one last season to help defend the title which you helped bring here. We understand if you and your family feel it's best to retire and move on with your lives. Like I already mentioned, we're forever grateful for everything you've done. But as true fans, it would be a diservice if weren't here today to atleast make an attempt in asking you to make a return for one more year to defend the NBA Championship that's been eluding you and Heat fans everywhere for a long time. We know you're very well capable of playing at a high level but we know that's not the deciding factor. Health and Family come first and we respect that.

Regardless of the choice you make, we hope you do what's best for you and your family, and we thank you for everything you've done and for all the great memories. You'll always have a place in our hearts.