LaMarcus Aldridge shocked the NBA world on Thursday, revealing the unfortunate news that he will be medically retiring from basketball due to a heart condition.
Aldridge, a seven-time All-Star forward, missed the Nets’ last two games due to a non-COVID illness. It was expected to be a temporary absence, but the 35-year-old revealed Thursday morning that a health scare will force his exit from the NBA.
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
The former No. 2 pick in the 2006 NBA Draft revealed that he played through an irregular heartbeat on April 10 against the Los Angeles Lakers. During the game, Aldridge didn’t look like himself and struggled in the matchup against Andre Drummond. The situation worsened after the game and into the night. After reaching out to the Nets’ medical staff the next morning, he went to the hospital and the issue was diagnosed.
Aldridge signed with the Nets on March 28, quickly learning a prominent role in the starting lineup. He was averaging 12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in five contests with Brooklyn. He will retire with an unforgettable résumé, playing at an incredible level for the majority of his NBA career.
As word spread of his shocking retirement, the Nets, players and NBA fans all weighed in on Aldridge’s career and his impact on the game.
Statement from our GM Sean Marks on the retirement of LaMarcus Aldridge: pic.twitter.com/3WKRJgAmpn
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) April 15, 2021
Congrats to Aldridge on a great career. I’ll never forget LMA turning into prime Dirk during all of those early series against the Rockets. https://t.co/VLHBD7CzWs
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) April 15, 2021
Congrats on an amazing career LaMarcus @aldridge_12 (via @NBAHistory) https://t.co/uhaenDeQHw
— Overtime (@overtime) April 15, 2021
LaMarcus Aldridge is one of only 25 players in NBA history with 19,000+ career points and 8,000+ career rebounds.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 15, 2021
A 7x All-Star and 5x All-NBA.
Hell of a career. pic.twitter.com/CLqqVFVNn2
LaMarcus Aldridge Appreciation Post
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 15, 2021
7 x NBA All-Star
5 x All-NBA
Blazers all-time rebound leader
LeBron & Melo are the only active players with more 2-PT field goals pic.twitter.com/PxTdlANkoi
Hall of fame career and even better person!!! Salute to you killa @aldridge_12 https://t.co/fACGNaidkU
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 15, 2021
Sad news that LaMarcus Aldridge is retiring from the NBA because of a heart issue. What a great career he had. https://t.co/rQWswLhEVa
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 15, 2021
LaMarcus Aldridge retires after issues with an irregular heartbeat. Aldridge has previously been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome and undergone multiple ablation procedures since the 2006-07 season. Best wishes to Aldridge in his life after basketball.
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) April 15, 2021
.@aldridge_12 on his decision to retire: ”You never know when something will come to an end, so make sure you enjoy it everyday. I can truly say I did just that.” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jkPgWgtdzZ
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) April 15, 2021
For years and years, every single midrange jumper I watched LaMarcus @aldridge_12 take, especially in person, I thought it was going in.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 15, 2021
Aldridge abruptly announced his retirement today due to a heart condition. His full statement is a must read all the way to the last line: pic.twitter.com/bOrbMovrtn
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