Ex-Nets big LaMarcus Aldridge announces NBA retirement
Former Nets big man LaMarcus Aldridge announced his NBA retirement Friday after a 16-year career.
Aldridge tweeted out the news and even joked about this being the second time he's retired, echoing NFL legend Tom Brady.
"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," Aldridge wrote.
Aldridge signed with the Nets on March 27, 2021, but medically retired less than a month later due to an irregular heartbeat. Fortunately for him, he was cleared to play again and returned to the Nets for 2021-2022 season.
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Aldridge, from the University of Texas, with the 2006 NBA Draft's No. 2 pick. He spent nine seasons there, before signing with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. He then played six seasons for Hall of Fame head coach Gregg Popovich, prior to signing with the Nets in hopes of winning an NBA title alongside their star players -- namely, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, whom Brooklyn traded at February's deadline.
Aldridge earned seven All-Star nods, five All-NBA teams and averaged 19.1 points with 8.1 rebounds on 49.3 percent shooting during his career. On Oct. 29, 2021, Aldridge became the 48th player in NBA history to score 20,000 career points. He finished his career with 20,558 points. Aldridge currently sits 46th all-time in career points and hopes to hear his name inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in the future.
