7x NBA All-Star pays tribute to Rafael Nadal, credits Spanish star for making him a "true tennis fan"
Earlier Thursday morning, Rafael Nadal took to social media to announce his retirement from professional tennis. Among those to give the legend his flowers was a former NBA All-Star.
A few hours after Nadal's heartfelt post, LaMarcus Aldridge took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on the tennis icon. He congratulated Nadal on a historic career and said that he is the reason he became a fan of the sport.
"Salute Rafa!! One of the best to ever do it…. You made me a true tennis fan"
Aldridge, a seven-time All-Star at his peak, enjoyed a 16-year career in the NBA after being drafted No. 2 in 2006. The majority of his career was spent with the Portland Trail Blazers, followed by stints with the San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets. Aldridge last played in the league in 2022, appearing in 47 games for the Nets at the age of 36.
As for Rafael Nadal, he ends his career after a 23-year run as a pro. His dominant run ends with a singles record of 1,080-227 and 22 Grand Slam wins.
Along with his work on the pro circuit, Nadal also represented his home country Spain on the international stage. In 2008, he won his first Olympic gold medal as a singles competitor. Eight years later, Nadal won gold again in doubles.
NBA international division congratulates Rafael Nadal following his retirement
LaMarcus Aldridge was not the only person with ties to the NBA to pay homage to Rafael Nadal following his retirement. A branch of the league re-shared a photo of Nadal with a pair of all-time talents.
In the post congratulating Nadal on an incredible career, the NBA's Australian division shared a photo of him, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Before Rafael Nadal announced his retirement, one NBA legend might have seen it coming. Following his elimination from the 2024 Olympics, Pau Gasol made a heartfelt post thanking the Spainish icon.
Gasol, a fellow native of Spain, enjoyed a long professional and international career. He spent 18 years in the NBA, most notably winning a pair of championships alongside Kobe Bryant on the LA Lakers.
The six-time All-Star last played in the NBA in 2019 in a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks. His career came to an end in 2021 following a run overseas with FC Barcelona. In 2023, Gasol was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Similar to Nadal, Gasol was able to deliver Spain multiple Olympic medals. He won silver in 2008 and 2012, followed by a bronze medal in 2016.