Will LaMarcus Aldridge make it to Hall of Fame? Looking at probability of 7x All-Star joining the greatest players of all-time
LaMarcus Aldridge on Friday announced his retirement from the NBA after a 17-year career spent with the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs and Brooklyn Nets. Aldridge tweeted that his pro career is over.
In the words of TB12, you only get one big, emotional retirement… so, on that note…I’m thankful for all the memories, family and friends I made throughout my career. It was one hell of a ride and I enjoyed every min! 12
The conversation has now shifted to whether LaMarcus Aldridge will make it to the Hall of Fame after his successful career.
The No. 2 pick in the 2006 draft averaged 19.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in his career. He was the 2006-07 Rookie of the Year, a seven-time All-Star and a five-time All-NBA team member. He was also the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a third-team All-American in his one season at the University of Texas.
According to Basketball Reference, Aldridge has a 50.9% probability of making it to the Hall of Fame. This coin flip of the chance is not the greatest outlook, but there is a large respect around the NBA for his production.
Based on his career arc, Basketball Reference compares the veteran to Chris Bosh, Elvin Hayes, Rasheed Wallace and Horace Grant. For what it is worth, Bosh and Hayes are in the Hall of Fame while Wallace and Grant are not.
Health concerns prevent Aldridge's Hall of Fame run?
There was an unfortunate ending to Aldridge's career as health issues prevented him from finishing things the way he likely imagined. He was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White disease early in his career and kept it under control for most of his playing days.
The condition causes a rapid or irregular heartbeat and is something people are born with. Aldridge had the condition under control for years, but it flared up late in his playing days.
Following a game he played with the Brooklyn Nets on April 10, 2021, he experienced an irregular rhythm throughout the entire game in a way that had not been the case before. Aldridge was unable to get it under control and spent all night trying breathing exercises to return his heartbeat to normal.
He ultimately went to the hospital, where things were cleared up but retired shortly after. While Aldridge made one more return to Brooklyn to play 47 games during the 2021-22 season, it was clear his best days were behind him.
These health issues should not overshadow what was an incredibly successful careeer. He remains the Trail Blazers' franchise leader in rebounds and has played a significant role in shaping that organization. He was a double-double machine during his prime days and led the organization to some of their most successful seasons.
Aldridge will be remembered fondly for his production, and his Hall of Fame candidacy will be revisited in four years when he is eligible.