LaMarcus Aldridge quotes Tom Brady retiring from the NBA for the second time, writing “you only get one big, emotional retirement” when the seven-time All-Star walks away.
LaMarcus Aldridge announced the Friday that he is retiring from the NBA again, and used some words from Tom Brady to make the announcement.
Aldridge, 37, initially retired in 2021 after experiencing an irregular heartbeat in the last of five games he played for the Brooklyn Nets that season. He rejoined the Nets five months after announcing his retirement.
The seven-time All-Star was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, an abnormality that can cause rapid heartbeat, as a rookie in 2007.
Writing on Twitter Friday, he used a phrase Brady said self-deprecatingly when the legendary quarterback announced his second retirement from football in February.
Aldridge said: ‘In the words of TB12 (Tom Brady), you just get a great emotional retirement…so in that sense…I’m grateful for all the memories, family and friends I’ve made throughout my career. It was an amazing trip and I enjoyed every minute of it!
LaMarcus Aldridge announced Friday that he is retiring again from the NBA
He first walked away from the game in 2021, but returned to the NBA just five months later.
Despite the health diagnosis, Aldridge was among the leading big men of his day. As the second pick out of Texas in the 2006 draft, he averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in his career.
A five-time All-NBA selection, Aldridge was praised by San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich when he first retired as a “consummate professional with a unique skill set and deep respect for the game.”
Selected No. 2 overall by Texas in 2006, Aldridge averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in 1,076 games (997 starts) with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and Nets.
Aldridge made the All-NBA Second Team twice and the All-NBA Third Team three times.
He last played for the Brooklyn Nets in 2021-22, when he reached 20,000 career points.