Veteran big man LaMarcus Aldridge, who announced his retirement in the spring due to a heart-related health scare, is seriously contemplating the possibility of returning to the NBA, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter links).
As Wojnarowski explains, Aldridge would require team medical clearance in order to sign a contract and take the court again. He hasn’t made a final decision yet on whether or not to attempt a comeback, but he’s expected to have discussions with teams in the coming weeks, sources tell ESPN.
Aldridge released a Twitter statement on April 15 explaining that he had decided to end his career after experiencing an irregular heartbeat during his last game. He had dealt with heart issues before, being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome during his rookie season in 2007 and missing time due to a heart arrhythmia in 2017.
In a June interview, Aldridge said he felt his heart racing on the morning of his final game, but believed it would go back to normal once he got on the court.
“It was still off after the game, but at like two, three in the morning, it got really, really crazy,” Aldridge recalled. “My heart was beating really crazy, and that’s when it got really bad for me. From two to five in the morning, I was just trying to evoke some breathing and then around 5:30 or so, I texted the team doctor and I went to the hospital. It was probably the scariest night ever.”
The retirement announcement was shocking because Aldridge had been with the Nets for less than three weeks. He chose to come to Brooklyn after reaching a buyout agreement with the Spurs in late March. Aldridge had been shut down in San Antonio while the team searched for a trade partner. He played just five games for Brooklyn, averaging 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 26 minutes per night.
“It was very tough. I definitely wasn’t ready to hang it up and I still felt like I had more to give to a team and I feel I had a lot to give to the Nets,” Aldridge said. … “Basically, that night being so freaked out — and knowing I have kids, my mom, a lot of people depending on me and a lot of people that I want to see going forward — I just felt like I was blessed by God to play 15 years with this condition, and I didn’t want to push it anymore.”
Aldridge’s situation is similar to that of former Heat big man Chris Bosh, who had to end his career because of a recurring issue with blood clots. Bosh also wanted to attempt a comeback, but was never able to get medical clearance. However, Aldridge elected to retire on his own, while the decision for Bosh was made by the Miami medical staff.
If Aldridge can get medically cleared to play again, he could be a valuable addition for a contender, even at age 36. He was effective for the Spurs last season, starting 18 games at center and averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds, before the franchise opted to give more time to younger players.
Chris Bosh 2.0 no one will sign this guy with the liability he will be if he dies on court.
Well Chris bosh had severe blood clots.
Aldridge just got freaked out from doing too much coke at 2am
Back to Brooklyn
I take it this is personal, first-hand knowledge.
Lakers…..lol
He would be a great fit with them and most anyone. He is very savvy. Brooklyn showed that just as with Blake G he is a great fit as a 5 with how the game is played now.
He won’t go to the Lakers because they wouldn’t need the Liar Aldridge’s services
Heat
As I said last season, he should wait for a few months to make decision, not right away.
Maybe he goes back to Portland as a feel good story type of thing to keep attention off of the Lillard situation
What’s the Lillard situation? Just curious, haven’t heard anything about him. I did hear he was contemplating asking for a trade a while back but haven’t heard much since.
Aldridge would have a lot of mending of fences if he ever wanted to return to the Blazers since he lied to the Blazer fans right up until he signed with San Antonio & he showed the Blazer fans that he is a coward when on his 1st trip with the Spurs to Portland he hid out in his Hotel room scared of the Blazer Fans even though the Blazer Fans have a long History of showing appreciation for players who return with other teams
Please life is more important than a tiltle ring.
If/when cleared I assume he would have to sign a liability waiver, if that is allowed by both the NBA and the player’s union. I believe he played with the condition for quite a few years, it just got worse. I don’t know if meds can help regulate it. With how he performed as a spread 5 with Brooklyn any number of teams would leave their 15th spot open for him if they had a verbal agreement that he would sign with them.
I’m certainly no expert, but based on what the article says he’d have to get team medical clearance. I kinda take that as unless whoever he attempts to sign with says “go” there’s no waiver possibility. And perhaps his retirement has something to do with the potential to be cleared as well..?
Could’ve been a reaction to the covid vaccination.
Not surprising. You could almost tell in his interviews. He got scared, made an impulsive move. Retiring before your ready for hypothetical health risks might be smart, but it’s hard.
He’s only coming back for a title. Lakers or Nets have his ear. Any team signing him is not doing him a favor. Hopefully, these teams know that.
Neither the lakers or nets have a spot for a 4 anymore. Especially the Lakers with Ad, Ariza, Melo, Lebron, etc etc lol
He’s a 5 nowdays mate
If he signs with the Heat.. that means he’s actually able to play and cleared… it was the Heat telling Bosh it was over.. he wouldn’t accept it for 3-4 years.
I really don’t like seeing this. He was smart the first time.
GTHO!
Seems kind of disrespectful towards Kevin Nash and Kyrie. He disappeared when they needed him. No way Gino pulls that dirty stuff when Aldridge breathing down his neck…smdh
Kevin Nash? The Nets are the NWO now? haha jk…. Curious though.. how is Aldridge retiring for health reasons worse than Kyrie literally just walking out the door without telling anyone when he’d be back THREE TIMES during last season?
LOL! That is TOO SWEET! I’ll give MVC the benefit of the doubt and assume he crossed Kevin Durant with Steve Nash.
I’m sure there’d be no ill-will if he were medically cleared, but I’m not sure it’s in his best interests. Speaking of wrestling, several stars, such as Daniel Bryan and Edge, came out of retirement following career threatening injuries, but neither had heart issues.
If he was going to retire, Nets would have signed someone else instead. Dont say you can now play again. Gimme a break! Stay retired for good.
If he is ok, and comes back, the Heat badly need help with a floor spacing big off the bench. There are a few others still available, but Aldridge would obviously be a good fit
He was a dud the last 2 years. Give it up bra
Cut back on aspertame.