Brooklyn Nets forward LaMarcus Aldridge is retiring from the NBA, he announced on Twitter on Thursday.
Citing a recent health problem resulting from an irregular heartbeat, Aldridge says “it’s time to put health and family first.”
“I played my last game in the face of an irregular heartbeat,” Aldridge wrote in a post on social media. “Later that night, my pace got worse, which worried me even more.”
– LaMarcus Aldridge (@ aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
Aldridge, who signed with the Nets in late March, last played in Brooklyn against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 10, playing 23 minutes that night 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. “Although I’m better now, what I felt with my heart that night was one of the most frightening things I’ve ever experienced.”
“I’m grateful for everything this game has given me: wonderful memories, including all the ups and downs, and the friendships I’ve made with whom I’ll stay forever. Thanks to Portland for choosing a weak Texas boy. and it happened to him. “
The team eliminated Aldridge for a non-COVID-19 disease 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 analysis and consultation with medical experts, he made the best decision for himself, his family and his life after basketball,” Marks said in a statement.
Aldridge picked the Nets after agreeing a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs, where he spent the last 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 Nets games. He was ranked second in the 2006 NBA Draft and averaged 19.4 points and 8.2 rebounds in his career, seven times in the All-Star Game.