Brooklyn Nets power forward LaMarcus Aldridge is retiring from the NBA, he announced via Twitter on Thursday.
Citing a recent health issue stemming from an irregular heartbeat, Aldridge says “it’s time to put my health and my family first.”
“My last game I played was fighting with an irregular heartbeat,” Aldridge wrote in the social media post. “Later that night, my pace got even worse, which really worried me even more.”
– LaMarcus Aldridge (@ aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
Aldridge, who signed with the Nets in late March, last played for Brooklyn against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 10, playing 23 minutes tonight in the loss.
“The next morning, I told the team what was going on and they treated me very well, taking me to the hospital for a checkup,” Aldridge wrote. “I’m even better now. What I felt with my heart tonight was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever experienced.”
“I am grateful for all that this game has given me: the great memories, including all the ups and downs, and the friendships I have made and will continue with me forever. giving it a try. “
The team had Aldridge as a result of a non-COVID-19 illness in his last two games.
Nets general manager Sean Marks says the team fully supports Aldridge’s decision.
“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 his life after basketball,” he said. Marks said in a statement.
Aldridge picked the Nets after agreeing a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent the previous five and a half seasons. He spent the first nine years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Aldridge averaged 12.8 points in five games with the Nets. He was selected second in the 2006 NBA Draft and averaged 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds in his career, selected seven times in the All-Star Game.