Mourning becomes an author

From combined dispatches

Alonzo Mourning is an NBA champion, a supporter of many charitable causes, a crusader for better education for students in South Florida and beyond.

And now he’s an author.

The book chronicling Mourning’s life, “Resilience,” is being released Tuesday, and the longtime All-Star center said he’s hopeful the 231-page tale can inspire everyday people to overcome whatever challenges they face, much like how cycling champion Lance Armstrong’s two books inspired Mourning in his fight against kidney disease.

“Lance was one of the people who inspired me to write this book,” Mourning told the Associated Press. “He motivated millions and millions of people in their lives, and I felt my story could have that same impact.”

Celtics: Backup point guard Sam Cassell is back to help Boston try to repeat as NBA champion.

Cassell had been in touch with Doc Rivers during the summer, but the Celtics coach didn’t know if Cassell had decided to come back for another season with the team. The 38-year-old Cassell, who joined the team in March for the playoff run, showed up for media day Monday to sign a contract for his 16th NBA season.

Bucks: Veteran guard Damon Jones won’t be joining Milwaukee after all. The Bucks, who open training camp Tuesday, said that by mutual decision Jones instead would work out on his own and try to catch on with another NBA team.

Rockets: Rookie forward Joey Dorsey agreed to a contract with Houston. The 6-foot-8 Dorsey was drafted by Portland early in the second round before the Rockets acquired his rights.