The 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, Brooklyn Nets Center – LaMarcus Aldridge, has decided to hang up his jersey. The sudden retirement is attributed to an irregular heartbeat that he experienced during his last game with the Nets.
Aldridge last took the court on Saturday versus the Los Angeles Lakers. He mentioned his condition worsened later on that night.
“Though I’m better now, what I felt with my heart was still one of the scariest things I’ve experienced,” Aldridge said in a post.
Aldridge was selected second overall in the 2006 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers. Former teammate Damian Lillard shared his feelings on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby show. He also asked Portland to retire #12 to commend the amazing run Aldridge had in a Blazers uniform.
“I think basketball is the least of his concern, Lillard said. “I’m sure it was a tough decision, but I’m glad he made it with the best interest for him and his family”
Just as his NBA career was taking off, Aldridge hit a road bump. In 2007, he was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. “It is a condition in which there is an extra electrical pathway in the heart that leads to periods of rapid heart rate,” according to MedlinePlus.gov. However, it is unclear if his diagnosis was related to this health scare.
Aldridge signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, where he spent 5 1/2 seasons before agreeing to a buyout. He then signed with the Nets on March 28th.
Both organizations have spoken on how much Aldridge meant to them.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich identified him as a “consummate professional with a unique skillset and deep respect for the game.”
“We’re grateful for his contributions, both on and off the court, during his time here in San Antonio,” Popovich said. “I’m proud of him for making this difficult decision and we wish him and his family all of the best in the future.”
Though Aldridge’s time with the Nets was short-lived, general manager Sean Marks was very supportive of his decision.
“We know this was not an easy decision for him, but after careful consideration and consultation with medical experts, he made the best decision for him, his family and for his life after basketball,” Marks said in a statement.
The 35-year-old gets to go out on top. Too often, it is suggested that without a championship or a ring, one’s career means nothing. Aldridge has shown otherwise. He is one of only 25 players in NBA history with 19,000+ career points and 8,000+ career rebounds.
