LaMarcus Aldridge
The six-year Spurs stalwart whose fadeaway defined an era of transition.
LaMarcus Aldridge joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2015 following nine impactful seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. Selected second overall in the 2006 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls, who then traded him to Portland, he brought a signature fadeaway jump shot to Texas after signing with the Spurs as a free agent. During his time in San Antonio, he earned selections to two All-NBA teams and was a seven-time NBA All-Star overall. His tenure was marked by consistent scoring and elite mid-range efficiency until March 2021, when the Spurs bought out his contract to allow him to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. Shortly after, health concerns regarding an irregular heartbeat led to a brief departure from the league.
- Role
- Power Forward / Center
- Affiliation
- San Antonio Spurs (2015–2021)
- Draft Origin
- Chicago Bulls (2006, 2nd Overall Pick; traded to Portland)
- Key Achievement
- NBA All-Star Selection while with Spurs
- Signature Skill
- Mid-range post game and face-up shooting
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Aldridge's arrival in San Antonio began after his rights were originally acquired by the Chicago Bulls, who selected him second overall in the 2006 draft before trading him to Portland for Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa. After spending nearly a decade with the Blazers, where he recorded career highs in points per game and rebounds during the 2013–14 season, Aldridge signed with the Spurs as a free agent in 2015. He immediately integrated into the team's system, relying on his mid-range fadeaway to score efficiently. His time in San Antonio ended in March 2021 when the Spurs bought out his contract, allowing him to sign with the Brooklyn Nets. About a month later, on April 15, 2021, he retired due to an irregular heartbeat, though he returned to the Nets for the 2021–22 season after receiving medical clearance.
In Their Own Story
On March 31, 2007, during his rookie season in Portland, Aldridge faced a life-altering moment when shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat forced him to Providence Hospital. Diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome on April 9, he missed the final eight games of that season. Years later, this same condition resurfaced in March 2021 after his move to San Antonio. Following a buyout from the Spurs, Aldridge signed with the Brooklyn Nets but was forced to retire just two weeks into the stint due to the heart irregularity. He did not stay away for long; he returned to the Nets the following season only after receiving full medical clearance, proving his resilience against the same condition that had first touched him as a rookie.
Reader's Guide
LaMarcus Aldridge's professional journey began when he declared for the 2006 NBA draft after two seasons with the Texas Longhorns. Initially drafted by the Chicago Bulls, his rights were swiftly traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent nine seasons developing into an All-Star caliber player. In 2015, he moved to the San Antonio Spurs, continuing his reputation as a reliable scorer and defender. His career was briefly interrupted in March 2021 due to health issues involving an irregular heartbeat, leading to a short-lived stint with the Brooklyn Nets before retirement. He returned to the following season after clearing medical protocols, showcasing his determination to continue playing at the highest level.
Did You Know?
- Aldridge was diagnosed with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome in April 2007, missing eight games as a rookie.
- While with Portland, he scored a career-high 46 points in Game 1 of the 2014 playoffs against the Houston Rockets.
- In December 2013, while with Portland, he became the first player in Trail Blazers franchise history to record at least 30 points and 25 rebounds in a single game.
- He returned to the Brooklyn Nets for the 2021–22 season after retiring due to an irregular heartbeat about a month into his initial signing.