Ex-Clipper Cuttino Mobley retires because of heart problem

Ex-Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley announced his retirement today because of a serious heart problem.

Mobley, traded to the Knicks last month as part of the Zach Randolph deal, never played for New York. Mobley suffers from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -- a thickened muscle in the heart -- the same disease that killed former Celtic Reggie Lewis and Loyola Marymount star Hank Gathers.

Mobley, 33, played three-plus seasons for the Clippers and was in his 11th NBA season when he was traded to the Knicks. He underwent a routine physical as part of the deal, and tests showed that his condition was worse than was thought.

--Barry Stavro

Photo: Former Clippers guard Cuttino Mobley, left, passes the ball past Portland Trail Blazers forward Channing Frye, in a preseason NBA game in October. Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press