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Former Trail Blazer LaMarcus Aldridge announces retirement to ‘put health family first’
Apr
Former Trail Blazer LaMarcus Aldridge announces retirement to ‘put health family first’
LaMarcus Aldridge, a former Portland Trail Blazer and longtime San Antonio Spurs star, announced his retirement on Thursday.
“My last game, I played while dealing with an irregular heartbeat,” Aldridge said on Twitter. “Though I’m better now, what I felt with my heart that night was still one of the scariest things I’ve experienced.”
Aldridge played nine seasons in Portland and was a four-time All-Star before joining the Spurs in 2015.
“I thank Portland for drafting a skinny, Texas kid and giving him a chance. The city of Portland has given me some unforgettable years,” Aldridge said.
The veteran NBA forward spent 5 1/2 seasons playing for San Antonio before reaching a buyout agreement and signing with the Brooklyn Nets late last month.
“For 15 years, I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and family first,” Aldridge said.
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
Trail Blazers President Neil Olshey spoke out about Aldridge’s retirement Thursday:
“LaMarcus had a storied NBA career and his time as a Trail Blazer will always be remembered fondly. Any success we experienced during his tenure in Portland would not have been possible without his work ethic, dedication and talent.
“During his nine seasons in Portland, LaMarcus battled through multiple injuries and health concerns but never once allowed them to affect his commitment to his teammates and coaches on the court or the people that benefited from his outreach in the community off the court.
“He will go down as one of the best players in the history of the franchise and while it is sad to see his career cut short, he will always be a member of the Trail Blazer family and we wish him the best in all future endeavors.”
