LaMarcus Aldridge Receives Medical Clearance to Play

San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge in 2017
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge IN 2017. Photo by Austin Mcafee/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (8524299z)

Retired power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has a green light to play basketball again. According to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, Aldridge received medical clearance and passed “all of the necessary tests” he needs to resume his NBA career.

Aldridge is reportedly already talking with interested NBA teams, with the Brooklyn Nets being the favorites to sign him to a contract. He played five games with the Nets last season, joining the franchise after buyout from the San Antonio Spurs, and averaged 12.8 points and 4.8 boards.

Aldridge abruptly retired from professional basketball midway through the 2020-21 season, citing heart concerns over an irregular heartbeat. He first experienced the issue during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 10th and decided to check himself into a hospital. After a series of tests and checkups, the 36-year-old veteran decided to walk away from the game.

“For 15 years, I’ve put basketball first, and now, it’s time to put my health and family first,” said Aldridge at the time.

LaMarcus Aldridge started his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers after being selected second overall in the 2006 NBA Draft. He spent nine seasons in Portland before leaving the franchise in 2015 as a free agent and signing with the San Antonio Spurs.

Aldridge has had seven All-Star nods and five All-NBA selections since arriving in NBA. His career averages include 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.