Former Portland Blazers and San Antonio Spurs star LaMarcus Aldridge announced on Friday that he is retiring from the NBA for the second time. Aldridge previously retired in 2020-21 due to a medical condition but returned to basketball after getting the green light from the doctors the following season.
Aldridge made his retirement announcement on Twitter, citing legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady by writing that “you only get one big, emotional retirement.” Like Aldridge, Brady also retired once, made a comeback, and then retired for the second time.
Aldridge didn’t play at all this season. The last time he stepped on the court was during the 2021-22 season with the Brooklyn Nets. The 37-year-old played 47 games and averaged 12.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest.
LaMarcus Aldridge entered the NBA as the second overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in 2006. However, he never suited up for the Bulls, instead being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night. Aldridge spent nine seasons in Portland, establishing himself as an All-Star player and helping the team to five playoff appearances. He left the franchise as a free agent in 2015 to sign a deal with the Spurs.
Aldridge finished his NBA career with a resume that includes averages of 19.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.
