Only a few weeks after signing with the Brooklyn Nets, seven-time NBA All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement on social media.
“My last game I played while dealing with an irregular heartbeat,” Aldridge wrote. “Later on that night, my rhythm got even worse which really worried me even more. The next morning, I told the team what was going on and they were great getting me to the hospital and getting me checked out. Though I’m better now, what I felt with my heart that night was still one of the scariest things I’ve experienced. With that being said, I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from the NBA. For 15 years, I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and family first.”
Aldridge, the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, spent his career with the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs before signing with the Nets. Players from around the NBA were shocked at Aldridge’s abrupt retirement but showed him support in his difficult decision.
Statement from our GM Sean Marks on the retirement of LaMarcus Aldridge: pic.twitter.com/3WKRJgAmpn
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) April 15, 2021
One of the toughest match ups I had to face! Congratulations on an amazing career! Enjoy family time… https://t.co/1wNKwK5iJ7
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) April 15, 2021
Legendary run my brother! ?????? https://t.co/oCAzEzRLdk
— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) April 15, 2021
Congrats LA! Midrange King. Enjoy your life fam! ???? https://t.co/Fvhrr2l1FX
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) April 15, 2021
Helluva career! Wishing you nothing but health brotha ?? https://t.co/MvrBkrZLG8
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) April 15, 2021
It was an absolute honor to play with you my brother. I wish you nothing but the best for you and your family. Take care my brother #TheLtraaaaaaaiiiiiiiiin ? pic.twitter.com/GZqDywRylj
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) April 15, 2021
Hall of fame career and even better person!!! Salute to you killa @aldridge_12 ?? https://t.co/fACGNaidkU
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 15, 2021
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) April 15, 2021
Always remember the good times, particularly those at McLoughlin Auto Mall #RipCity https://t.co/Bb7hfYaoe4
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) April 15, 2021