Ex Longhorn LaMarcus Aldridge Announces Sudden Retirement From NBA

Former Texas Longhorns great LaMarcus Aldridge announced his sudden retirement from the NBA on Thursday, just seven games into his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets

After just seven games with the Brooklyn Nets, former Texas Longhorns basketball great LaMarcus Aldridge suddenly announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday morning, citing health issues.

Aldridge announced the news on his social media accounts, thanking his former teams, his friends, and his family. 

pic.twitter.com/q69S0VhdFf

— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) April 15, 2021

"My last game, I played while dealing with an irregular heartbeat," Aldridge tweeted on Thursday. "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."

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Aldridge was previously been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome earlier and his playing career and has reportedly and undergone multiple ablation procedures since the 2006-07 season to help combat his condition. 

LaMarcus Aldridge retires after issues with an irregular heartbeat. Aldridge has previously been diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome and undergone multiple ablation procedures since the 2006-07 season. Best wishes to Aldridge in his life after basketball.

— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) April 15, 2021

Aldridge, who was selected out of Texas with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, spent two seasons with the Longhorns, where he became a dominant force, averaging 15 points, 9.2 rebounds, two blocks, and 1.4 steals per game in his final season.

Aldridge would go on to spend the next 16 seasons in the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio Spurs, and BrooklyN Nets, where he averaged 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, and made seven all-star appearances, as well as five All-NBA Teams.

"For 15 years, I've put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and family first," Aldridge said. "I'm thankful for everything this game has given me: the great memories, including all of the ups and downs, and the friendships I've made and will keep with me forever. I thank Portland for drafting a skinny Texas kind and giving him a chance. The city of Portland has given me some unforgettable years. They will always remain in my heart. I want to thank the Spurs for letting me into the family and giving me five fun years."

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Aldridge was bought out by the Spurs last month and eventually signed with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in his seven games. 

"Last but not least, I want to thank Brooklyn. You wanted me for me. In a game that is changing so much, you asked me to come and just do what I do, which was good to hear. I'm sorry it didn't get to last long, but I've definitely had fun being part of this special group. You never know when something will come to an end, so make sure to enjoy it every day. I can truly say I did just that." 

With 19,951 points in his career, Aldridge ends his time in the NBA with the most points in NBA history by a player from the DFW area, the most points ever by a player born in Texas.

He is also one of just 25 players in the league history to score more than 19,000 points and secure 8,000 rebounds in his career.

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