Former NBA big man LaMarcus Aldridge has retired from the NBA for the second time, according to a tweet from the former All-Star himself on Friday. His retirement ends a career that spanned 16 years in the league as well as playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and the Brooklyn Nets.
Aldridge, 37, ends his career with seven All-Star selections as well as career averages of 19.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.3% from the field and 32% from three-point land. He came into the NBA as the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft out of the University of Texas and made noise early by making the All-Rookie team.
Aldridge is best known for his time in Portland as he is the Blazers all-time leader in rebounds, third-leading scorer, and fourth-leading shot blocker. He initially came to the Nets after receiving a buyout from the Spurs in March of 2021. He retired for the first time in April of 2021 after being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. However, Aldridge was able to come back the following September and average 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 47 appearances.
Aldridge tried to play in the NBA this season by working out for the Dallas Mavericks after the team traded for Kyrie Irving, but he wasn’t able to find another team to play for. At his height, Aldridge made the All-NBA team five times in his career.
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! 12
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) March 31, 2023
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