Former NBA player LaMarcus Aldridge had a successful 16-year career, during which he was selected as an All-Star seven times.
Aldridge spent nine seasons playing for the Portland Trail Blazers before joining the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. In March 2021, the Spurs released him, and he subsequently signed with the Brooklyn Nets. However, he retired two weeks later due to an irregular heartbeat.
However, after receiving medical clearance, Aldridge returned to play for the Nets in the following season, averaging 12.9 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game in 47 games.
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Around a month ago, LaMarcus Aldridge worked out with the Dallas Mavericks in the hope of finding an NBA team and impressing suitors. However, on Friday, he announced his retirement. It is unclear whether he is looking to step into management or will take a break to be with his family. For the time being, the 37-year-old can be expected to step back from the public eye.
LaMarcus Aldridge retires after 16 years in the NBA
A free agent, Aldridge initially hoped to join a team this year. Still, as the playoffs approached, he ended up deciding to step away from the sport. Aldridge enjoyed a successful career which saw him score over 20,000 points in the NBA.
The player was drafted as the No. 2 pick in 2006 and follows in the footsteps of NFL star Tom Brady, who also retired twice. LaMarcus Aldridge ended up referencing the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers forward in his retirement announcement on Twitter as well:
“In the words of TB12, you only get one big, emotional retirement… so, on that note…I’m thankful for all the memories, family and friends I made throughout my career. It was one hell of a ride and I enjoyed every min!”
Aldridge was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition that can cause a rapid heartbeat, during his rookie season in 2007. Although he was reported to be feeling better after announcing his return, he had said that his health and family were the reasons he was retiring. Fans can expect that the same is true this time around.
Regardless, the player may have some regrets about not winning an NBA title even once. Still, Aldridge will go down as one of the greatest forwards in the modern-day NBA.