LaMarcus Aldridge has received medical clearance to start playing basketball again, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Nets are considered the favorites to sign him, Charania adds.
Aldridge’s career came to an abrupt end in April when doctors diagnosed him with an irregular heartbeat. The discovery prompted him to announce his retirement after playing just five games with Brooklyn, but he has passed all the medical tests necessary to resume his career, according to Charania.
Aldridge, who also dealt with heart issues in 2017, started talking about a comeback last month. The seven-time All-Star now appears ready to return for a 16th NBA season.
He was productive last year in 21 games for the Spurs, averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds as the team’s starting center. However, San Antonio opted to go with younger players and took Aldridge out of the rotation before ultimately reaching a buyout agreement. He signed with Brooklyn in late March, but experienced the health scare two weeks later and was eventually waived.
The Nets are facing a potential roster crunch after reportedly reaching an agreement with free agent forward Paul Millsap earlier today. However, Brooklyn could open up room with a rumored buyout of veteran center DeAndre Jordan. The Nets can only offer Aldridge a veteran’s minimum contract.
I hope and pray nothing bad happens as a result of his decision to continue playing.
He’ll be Brooklyn
Would welcome in in Philly. Esp if they deal Simmons and pieces for Dame, means they’d have to fill the roster out.
Would add to an already solid big man rotation. Would most likely only play 15 mins per game except for other player’s rest games or injuries.
Rediculous! So selfish! Explain what happened at the end of last year???! Thought it was the worst scariest feeling ever….. gimme a break!
Must be a Nets fan
No need to be angry you try and go through a health scare like he did and tell me you wouldn’t act the same.
Ok, so stay retired…
Nothing wrong with being cautious.
Nothing wrong with realizing you may have over reacted to something.
Something very wrong with criticizing others personal health choices.
Nets signed him instead of another player who could have helped them win a title, and invested in him with invaluable playing time. I totally respect his decision to retire, so he should stay retired. It’s only been few months, so now everything is ok??! Stay cautious, dont take a risk at the expense of another team and player.
KD would’ve still bricked that shot…
Curious to see if anyone will sign him after Chris Bosh got blackballed
Hopefully he does get signed, and will be ok, which I’m sure he will be, if he is willing to play
Chris bosh had a way more serious health condition
He didnt have a condition though. He tested negative for the gene that would cause those clots. They were individual circumstances, and there have been many players in multiple sports to play in similar, but worse conditions than he was in. He got cleared outside of the NBA doctors. The only reason he didnt come back was nobody would give him that chance
Has anyone said Golden State Warriors? They need a big man who can score a little bit here and there. He would be like a David West replacement. Stagger his minutes a little bit and get ready for the playoffs if Golden State makes it.
This guy is probably looking for a championship. Most of the serious contenders for a championship is maxed out in regards to funds. Heat, Lakers, Nets, Warriors, 76ers, and few other contending teams, will want this guy but will have to make a trade or two to make it happen. I think he would do well in Miami coming off the bench. But would Miami knock a spot off the roster for him and have a possible repeat like with Brooklyn? That goes for any team really.
Houston fan here, so not trying to pick my favorite team for his services. I’d love to see him in Houston rotating with Wood at center. But Rockets have a plan and commitments to the young core. I doubt that offer him anything or if he’d actually take a contract with Houston.
Portland ….. end it right.
Blazers should offer Millsap the minimum. Adding both is an upgrade on depth and 4. Plus Aldridge can play small ball C.
He should give the Nets the first crack at signing him, and I suspect he will and it won’t get past that.
Even after adding Millsap?