NBA star LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement from the league Thursday.
“For 15 years I’ve put basketball first,” Aldridge wrote in a statement on Twitter. “And now, it is time to put my health and family first.”
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
Aldridge said he experienced an irregular heartbeat during the Nets’ last appearance on April 10. The health issue worsened, according to Aldridge, and he decided it was time to retire. (RELATED: REPORT: Joakim Noah Is ‘Effectively Retiring From Basketball’)
“I’m thankful for everything this game has given me: the great memories, including all the ups and the downs, and the friendships I’ve made and will keep with me forever,” Aldridge added in his statement. “I thank Portland for drafting a skinny, Texas kid and giving him a chance. The city of Portland has given me some unforgettable years.”
The Nets’ general manager Sean Marks said the retirement decision was not “easy” for Aldridge in a statement to ESPN.
“We know this was not an easy decision for him, but after careful consideration and consultation with medical experts, he made the best decision for him, his family and for his life after basketball,” Marks said in the statement reported by ESPN.
Aldridge was drafted into the NBA after playing college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin for two seasons. The power forward played for the Portland Trail Blazers, the San Antonio Spurs and most recently the Brooklyn Nets.
