Irregular heartbeat causes Aldridge to retire from Nets
LaMarcus Aldridge retired from the NBA on Thursday after saying he experienced an irregular heartbeat during his final game with the Brooklyn Nets.
Aldridge, 35, posted a statement on social media saying the heart concerns he had during and after Brooklyn’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday was one of the “scariest things” he’s experienced.
Aldridge, who was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome — an abnormality that can cause a rapid heartbeat — as a rookie in 2007, said he feels better now after getting it checked out but decided to end his 15-year career.
“For 15 years I’ve put basketball first, and now, it is time to put my health and my family first,” Aldridge wrote.
The seven-time AllStar signed with the Nets on March 28 and became their starting center.
The No. 2 pick in the 2006 draft was long one of the best at his position, averaging 19.4 points in a career that began with nine seasons in Portland.
He went on to play 51/2 seasons with the Spurs and was a five-time AllNBA selection.
BULLS’ LAVINE OUT DUE TO COVID PROTOCOLS >> Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocol and is expected to miss several games, ESPN reported.
LaVine entered Thursday’s action as the seventh leading scorer in the NBA at a career-best 27.5 points per game. He has also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists.
The Bulls are in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, one game ahead of the Toronto Raptors, and in possession of the final spot for this season’s play-in tournament that will follow the regular season.
It’s unclear if LaVine tested positive for COVID-19 or was exposed to someone who did.
JORDAN TO PRESENT KOBE AT HOF INDUCTION >> Michael Jordan will present the late Kobe Bryant for his induction into the Naismith Hall of Fame on May 15. Bryant is part of the 2020 HOF class, but last year’s enshrinement was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The induction ceremonies will be held at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. BUCKS 120, HAWKS 109 >> Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 15 points in his return to the Milwaukee lineup and got plenty of help from his teammates as the visiting Bucks cooled off surging Atlanta.
Antetokounmpo had missed six games with an ailing left knee before getting cleared to return.
He played 25 minutes in his return, hitting 7 of 12 shots to go along with five rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block. He didn’t have to carry too much of a load as the Bucks put seven players in double figures, led by Jrue Holiday with 23 points.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Hawks with 28 points. Trae Young returned after missing two games with a calf injury but had a terrible night, connecting on just 3 of 17 shots.
The Hawks lost for only the sixth time in 22 games since Nate McMillan took over as interim coach.