KEY POINTS

  • LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement from basketball following a health scare
  • Aldrige played 15 seasons in the NBA
  • Aldridge is a seven-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection

The basketball world was shocked to hear that Brooklyn Nets forward LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement from basketball right in the middle of the 2020-2021 NBA season.

In an official statement, Aldridge, 35, said that in the Nets’ game against the Los Angeles Lakers, he played with an irregular heartbeat, which worsened later on that night.

LaMarcus Aldridge Spurs
Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs talks with LaMarcus Aldridge #12 during play against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Dec. 12, 2017 in Dallas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

With the health scare, Aldridge made the decision to call it a career and focus on his health first.

A 15-year veteran in the NBA, Aldridge was a seven-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection. He averaged 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game throughout his career.

He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers second overall in 2006 and played there for nine seasons. He would play six more seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, before signing with the Nets in late March.

Aldridge would only play five games with the Nets, averaging 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Apart from the accolades he achieved over his career, Aldridge was also able to build a number of relationships throughout his career. As such, the NBA community took to social media to show him some love.

Congratulations on an amazing career, LaMarcus Aldridge!