LaMarcus Aldridge Biography: Early Life, NBA Career, and Personal Life
LaMarcus Aldridge is a retired American professional basketball player who spent 15 seasons in the NBA. He was born on July 19, 1985, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up playing basketball from a young age. Aldridge’s talent on the court led him to become one of the most dominant players in the league during his career.
Aldridge’s basketball journey began in high school, where he was a standout player at Seagoville High School in Dallas. He then went on to play college basketball for two seasons with the Texas Longhorns. In 2006, Aldridge was selected second overall in the NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls and later traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent nine seasons. In 2015, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs, where he played for six seasons before retiring in 2021 due to health concerns.
Throughout his career, Aldridge was known for his versatility on the court, his ability to score from anywhere on the floor, and his strong defensive play. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection. In this article, we will delve into his life and career, exploring his early years, his college and professional career, his achievements, and his personal life.
Key Takeaways
- LaMarcus Aldridge is a retired American professional basketball player who spent 15 seasons in the NBA.
- He was a standout player in high school and college and was selected second overall in the NBA draft in 2006.
- Aldridge was known for his versatility on the court, his ability to score and play defense, and his numerous accolades throughout his career.
Early Life
LaMarcus Aldridge was born on July 19, 1985, in Dallas, Texas, to Georgia and Marvin Aldridge. He attended Seagoville High School in Dallas, where he played basketball and became a second-team Parade All-American and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Class 4A Player of the Year.
Aldridge was considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and was ranked as the nation’s no. 4 best center and no. 16 player in 2004. He then enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where he played college basketball for two seasons.
During his sophomore year, Aldridge was named to the All-Big 12 First Team and the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. He also helped lead the Longhorns to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the Elite Eight to LSU.
In 2006, after his sophomore season, Aldridge declared for the NBA draft and was selected as the second overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. However, he was immediately traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent the first nine years of his NBA career.
High School Career
LaMarcus Aldridge attended Seagoville High School in Dallas, Texas, where he played basketball. During his high school career, he became a second-team Parade All-American and Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Class 4A Player of the Year.
Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Aldridge was listed as the no. 4 best center and the no. 16 player in the nation in 2004. He led his high school team to a 38-1 record and the Class 4A state title game, where they lost to the team of Chris Bosh, Lincoln High School.
Aldridge’s high school performance earned him a scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Austin.
College Career
LaMarcus Aldridge played college basketball for two seasons with the Texas Longhorns. During his freshman year, he played in 32 games, averaging 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and was also named the Longhorns’ Most Improved Player.
In his sophomore year, Aldridge played in 16 games before being sidelined by a hip injury. He averaged 15.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, and was named to the All-Big 12 First Team. Despite missing the last 13 games of the season, he was still selected as a lottery pick in the 2006 NBA draft.
Freshman Year
During Aldridge’s freshman year, he was a key player for the Longhorns. He started in 22 of the 32 games he played in, and was the team’s second-leading scorer and leading rebounder. He had a season-high 25 points against Texas A&M, and recorded double-doubles in three games.
Aldridge’s strong play earned him a spot on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team, and he was also named the Longhorns’ Most Improved Player. He helped lead Texas to a 20-11 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Sophomore Year
In his sophomore year, Aldridge continued to develop his game and emerged as one of the best players in the Big 12. He started in all 16 games he played in, and was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. He had a season-high 29 points against Iowa State, and recorded double-doubles in eight games.
Despite missing the last 13 games of the season due to a hip injury, Aldridge was still named to the All-Big 12 First Team. He helped lead Texas to a 28-6 record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Professional Career
LaMarcus Aldridge was selected as the second overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2006 NBA draft. However, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers on draft night. He spent nine seasons with the Trail Blazers, where he established himself as one of the top power forwards in the league.
Portland Trail Blazers
During his time with the Trail Blazers, Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Star team five times. He also earned All-NBA honors three times, including a Second-Team selection in 2015. Aldridge averaged 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game during his tenure with the Trail Blazers.
San Antonio Spurs
In 2015, Aldridge signed with the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent. He played six seasons with the Spurs, where he was a key contributor to their success. Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Star team in each of his first four seasons with the Spurs. He also earned All-NBA honors twice, including a Second-Team selection in 2018. Aldridge averaged 18.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game during his time with the Spurs.
Brooklyn Nets
Aldridge signed with the Brooklyn Nets in March 2021, where he played the remainder of the 2020-21 season. He played in five regular-season games and five playoff games for the Nets before announcing his retirement from the NBA in April 2021.
Career Achievements
LaMarcus Aldridge has had a successful career in the NBA, earning numerous accolades and achieving impressive statistics. Here are some of his most notable career achievements:
- 7-time NBA All-Star: Aldridge has been selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game seven times, in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020. These selections are a testament to his consistent high level of play throughout his career.
- 5-time All-NBA selection: Aldridge has been named to the All-NBA team five times, in 2011-12, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18, and 2018-19. This recognition is given to the best players in the league, and being named to the All-NBA team is a significant honor.
- NBA All-Rookie First Team: In his rookie season in 2006-07, Aldridge was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. This recognition is given to the top rookies in the league and is a sign of Aldridge’s potential and promise as a player.
- Career statistics: Aldridge has impressive career statistics, with a career average of 19.4 points per game, 8.2 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game. He has also shot 49.1% from the field and 81.3% from the free-throw line over his career.
- Longevity: Aldridge has played in the NBA for over 15 seasons, which is a testament to his durability and longevity as a player. He has played for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Brooklyn Nets during his career.
Overall, LaMarcus Aldridge has had an impressive career in the NBA, earning numerous accolades and achieving impressive statistics. His consistent high level of play and longevity in the league are a testament to his talent and dedication as a player.
Personal Life
LaMarcus Aldridge was born on July 19, 1985, in Dallas, Texas, to Marvin and Georgia Aldridge. His father was a high school basketball player, and his older brother, LaVontae, also played basketball. Aldridge’s cousin, Marlon Hairston, is a midfielder for the Columbus Crew SC of Major League Soccer.
Aldridge married his longtime girlfriend, Chelsy McDaniel, in 2006. The couple has two children together, a son named Jaylen and a daughter named Lael. In 2017, Aldridge underwent surgery to repair a minor heart arrhythmia, but he returned to the court soon after and continues to play professionally.
Off the court, Aldridge is known for his philanthropic work. He has donated to various charities, including the Boys and Girls Club and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In 2013, he established the LaMarcus Aldridge Foundation, which aims to help disadvantaged children and families in the Dallas area.
Legacy
LaMarcus Aldridge is widely regarded as one of the best power forwards in NBA history. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection. Aldridge was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and his excellent mid-range jump shot.
During his nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, Aldridge became one of the franchise’s all-time leading scorers. He helped lead the team to the playoffs five times and was a key contributor in many of the team’s most memorable moments.
In addition to his success with the Trail Blazers, Aldridge also had a successful stint with the San Antonio Spurs. During his time with the Spurs, he continued to be a dominant force on the court and helped the team reach the playoffs multiple times.
Off the court, Aldridge was known for his charitable work and his commitment to giving back to the community. He was involved in several philanthropic organizations and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Overall, LaMarcus Aldridge’s legacy as a basketball player and a humanitarian will be remembered for years to come. His contributions to the game of basketball and his commitment to making the world a better place will continue to inspire future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LaMarcus Aldridge’s height?
LaMarcus Aldridge is 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) tall.
What is LaMarcus Aldridge’s net worth?
As of 2023, LaMarcus Aldridge’s net worth is estimated to be around $60 million according to SportyTell.
How many career points has LaMarcus Aldridge scored?
During his NBA career, LaMarcus Aldridge scored a total of 19,951 points according to Wikipedia.
Is LaMarcus Aldridge a Hall of Famer?
LaMarcus Aldridge is not yet eligible for induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Who is LaMarcus Aldridge’s wife?
As of 2023, LaMarcus Aldridge is not married according to Players Bio.
Why did LaMarcus Aldridge retire from the NBA?
LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement from the NBA in April 2023 due to health concerns related to an irregular heartbeat according to Players Bio.