LaMarcus Aldridge shockingly announced his retirement from the NBA Thursday. The Nets’ big man shared that he was dealing with an irregular heartbeat in his last game. “For 15 years, I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and family first.”
The 35-year-old LaMarcus Aldridge is a seven-time NBA All-Star. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Brooklyn Nets.
Aldridge shared the news via instagram and it was reported by Sideline Sources.
Aldridge recently signed with the Nets after reaching a buyout agreement with the Spurs. However, he only appeared in five games with Brooklyn, averaging 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.
Nets GM Sean Marks released a statement, saying the organization “fully supports LaMarcus’ decision” and “his health and well-being are far more important than the game of basketball.” Nets Statement on LaMarcus Aldridge.
Aldridge had been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome and had many ablation procedures since 2006.
Aldridge’s Career Highlights
Aldridge is from Dallas, Texas, and was a five-star recruit from high school. He attended the University of Texas from 2004 – 2006. After his second year with the Longhorns, LaMarcus declared for the 2006 NBA Draft.
The Chicago Bulls drafted Aldridge second-overall. They immediately traded his rights to the Portland Trail-Blazers. Aldridge spent nine years in Portland, where he turned into a star. He is first in rebounds and third in scoring in the Blazers’ franchise history.
He played with great players like Brandon Roy and Damian Lillard. Aldridge averaged 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds for his career in Portland. In his last year with the Blazers, he averaged a career-high 23 points per game. He is certainly one of their best players in franchise history.
In 2015, Aldridge signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Spurs. Aldridge had good statistical years in San Antonio, averaging 19.5 points and eight rebounds. He played with great players in San Antonio, including Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard.
In 2021, Aldridge signed with the Nets mid-season after his buyout with the Spurs. The Spurs tried to get younger. Aldridge wanted to win a championship. After signing with the Brooklyn Nets only a few weeks ago, this came as a huge surprise. It was a new role for him not to be a top option and to come off the bench. The only thing missing from his stacked resume was an NBA title.
Congratulations to LaMarcus Aldridge on a fantastic career. The NBA family wishes him health and happiness in his retirement.
