Seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge announces retirement from NBA

Scott Rafferty

Seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge announces retirement from NBA image

On Thursday, LaMarcus Aldridge announced that he's retiring from the NBA.

Aldridge revealed in a letter that he played his last game with an irregular heartbeat. While he says he's feeling better now, he wrote that it was "one of the scariest things I've experienced" and that it's time to "put my health and family first."

The No. 2 pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, Aldridge spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. He then signed with the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent in 2015 and joined the Brooklyn Nets following a buyout with the Spurs around this season's trade deadline.

"The Nets organization fully supports LaMarcus' decision, and while we value what he has brought to our team during his short time in Brooklyn, his health and well being are far more important than the game of basketball," Nets general manager Sean Marks wrote in a statement. "We know this was not an easy decision for him, but after careful consideration and consultation with numerous medical experts, he made the best decision for him, his family and for his life after basketball.

"We wish LaMarcus, Kia and their family much health and happiness going forward."

Aldridge retires with career averages of 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. He earned seven All-Star selections, as well as two All-NBA Second Team selections and three All-NBA Third Team selections.

NBA players were quick to send their thoughts and prayers to Aldridge following his announcement.

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Scott Rafferty

Scott Rafferty Photo

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.