The basketball world received some surprising news on Thursday.
Texas ex and Brooklyn Nets center LaMarcus Aldridge abruptly announced his retirement via Twitter. In Aldridge’s heartfelt letter, he stated that he had played with an irregular heartbeat throughout his final game with the Nets on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Though I’m better now, what I felt with my heart that night was still one of the scariest things I’ve experienced,” Aldridge said. “For 15 years, I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and family first.”
The seven-time All-Star had a long, successful ride in the NBA. The first nine years of his career was spent with the Portland Trail Blazers. Aldridge was then a member of the San Antonio Spurs for roughly five seasons before signing with the Nets on March 28.
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
Aldridge was selected out of Texas with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft. He spent two collegiate seasons with the Longhorns, averaging 15 points, 9.2 rebounds, two blocks, and 1.4 steals per game in his final year on the Forty Acres.