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LaMarcus Aldridge is a retired professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 15 seasons. He was born on July 19, 1985, in Dallas, Texas, and played college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin. He is widely considered to be one of the best power forwards of his generation and was known for his versatile offensive game and solid defense.

Early Life and College Career

Aldridge attended Seagoville High School in Dallas, where he was a standout basketball player. He was named the Texas High School Player of the Year as a senior and was rated as the No. 1 power forward and No. 4 overall player in the nation by Rivals.com. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where he played two seasons for the Longhorns.

NBA Career

Aldridge was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft but was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night. He spent his first nine seasons in Portland, where he became a five-time All-Star and helped lead the Trail Blazers to the playoffs five times. In 2015, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, where he played for the remainder of his career.

Over his 15 NBA seasons, Aldridge averaged 19.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He was known for his smooth midrange jumper and post-up game, as well as his ability to score from the perimeter. He was also a solid defender and was named to the NBA All-Defense Second Team twice in his career.

Retirement

In April 2021, Aldridge announced his retirement from the NBA due to health concerns. He had been dealing with an irregular heartbeat and decided to prioritize his health and well-being over continuing his basketball career. He retired with career totals of 19,951 points, 8,478 rebounds, and 1,140 blocks, and is considered one of the best players of his generation.

Legacy

Aldridge’s legacy in the NBA is that of a talented and versatile power forward who was able to score from all areas of the court. He was also a solid defender and a consistent performer throughout his career. His five All-Star selections and two All-Defense selections are a testament to his skill and impact on the court. Off the court, Aldridge was known for his quiet demeanor and his philanthropic work in the community.

Overall, LaMarcus Aldridge is a respected and admired figure in the world of basketball and will be remembered for his significant contributions to the game.