End of the Road 2.0: LaMarcus Aldridge Announces Second Retirement

After 15 seasons in the NBA, LaMarcus Aldridge has decided to retire for the second time in his career. The 35-year-old power forward played for the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds per game throughout his career, being a six-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection.

Aldridge’s first retirement was in April 2019, but he signed with the Nets in March 2021 to help them in their pursuit of an NBA championship. Nevertheless, Aldridge has been dealing with health issues, including an irregular heartbeat, which forced him to miss multiple games in the past month. After careful consideration, he has decided to prioritize his health and well-being and hang up his jersey for good.

• 15 seasons in the NBA
• six-time All-Star
• five-time All-NBA selection

Aldridge’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions from fans and the basketball community, who respect his decision but will undoubtedly miss his talent on the court. Aldridge stated that he is grateful for the amazing experiences and relationships he has made throughout his career and that he looks forward to the next chapter of his life.

While Aldridge’s time in the NBA may have come to an end, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans alike. Everyone will remember Aldridge as a prolific scorer and a vital player in several teams throughout his career

LaMarcus Aldridge – A Look at His NBA Career

LaMarcus Aldridge has had an NBA career that will be remembered for many years. He was a top scorer and all-around player during that time.

He was selected second overall in the 2006 NBA draft and has played for multiple teams, including Chicago Bulls, Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs. A member of seven All-Star teams throughout his career, he boasts 18,000 points and 8,000 rebounds to his credit.

NBA

LaMarcus Aldridge’s career in the NBA has been one of long and distinguished accomplishments. He was an elite player for nine seasons, appearing in 648 regular-season games and 34 playoffs. Additionally, he earned five All-Star selections as well as numerous other honors throughout his time playing for the league.

He’s suffered from injuries throughout his career, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and a heart condition, yet he never stopped playing basketball despite these difficulties.

Throughout his NBA career, he was renowned for his powerful jump shot that could bend defenses from 16 feet away with ease.

His ability to create mismatches on the perimeter that defenders would not anticipate allowed the Portland Trail Blazers to create double teams and force them off their guards. His presence was a game-changer for them.

He was an excellent passer, averaging 2.4 assists per game this season. His passes are always precise and on target, whether it’s a dribble-around to defer to another teammate or a ball that is passed to someone open on the perimeter.

The Draft

LaMarcus Aldridge was selected second overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2006. After spending nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015.

Aldridge’s 15 seasons and 1,076 regular-season games rank him fifth among active players in terms of per-minute production, with an average of 20.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Despite not making the playoffs once since 2004, his production continues to impress.

His true shooting percentage, which takes into account all forms of scoring, ranks third at 71.1 percent. Additionally, he’s sixth in career blocks with an average of 1.6 per 36 minutes.

He’s a team-first big man with an upbeat attitude and competitive drive that he passes along to his teammates. As such, he plays an essential role in the San Antonio Spurs’ locker room.

Teams he played for

LaMarcus Aldridge has spent his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers (2006-15), San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets, appearing in 1,076 regular season games overall.

Throughout his tenure with the Blazers, he earned a reputation as their leading scorer and rebounder. He earned seven All-Star selections as well as being named to five All-NBA teams.

He was an integral part of Portland’s success, leading the team to seven playoff appearances and three Western Conference Finals. Additionally, he played a significant role in their 2017 Western Conference Championship win.

Though he never won a medal, his legacy should be held in high regard. His remarkable excellence, unyielding determination and endurance set him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Awards

Throughout his NBA career, Aldridge has earned a number of accolades. These include Western Conference Player of the Month honors, All-Star Game appearances and top-10 MVP finishes.

Additionally, he received the NBA Sportsmanship Award. This prestigious annual honor is given to those players who best demonstrate sportsmanship on court.

Since 1994, this award has been presented to a player who has displayed exceptional character on the court through fair play, integrity and ethical behavior.

Aldridge has achieved a remarkable amount, earning himself 7 All-Star appearances and 5 All-NBA nods. Furthermore, his top 100 ranking in several major statistical categories continues to climb.

However, Aldridge trails other all-time great power forwards in terms of playoff wins. Although this disadvantage is significant, it does not guarantee Aldridge won’t be inducted into the Hall of Fame someday.

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