LaMarcus Aldridge spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, and it's safe to say he had the best time of his career in Rip City. With that said, Aldridge acknowledged how awesome it would be if they were to retire his jersey.
Aldridge called it a career in the middle of the 2020-21 season after suffering from a heart scare. Shortly after he reached a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs and joined the Brooklyn Nets, he experienced irregular heartbeat that pushed him to make the tough choice of putting his health and family first.
Now, in an interview on ESPN's The Jump on Wednesday, the seven-time All-Star was asked what it would mean for him if the Blazers were to retire his no. 12 jersey. Sure enough, it's a gesture that he would appreciate immensely.
“First of all, anyone getting their jersey retired is a huge honor but it would be great for me,” Aldridge said, per Dylan Mickanen of NBC Sports. “That's where it all started for me. That's where I made my name and I became an All-Star. I actually became that go-to guy there so it would be awesome for me if it does happen because that place is one of my favorite memories for sure.”
For what it's worth, following his retirement, current Blazers star Damian Lillard immediately called for the organization to retire LaMarcus Aldridge's jersey. After all, Dame himself witnessed Aldridge's greatness on the court and the work he put in for the organization.
It's still unknown of the Blazers would really do it, but it is surely an act that will get plenty of support around the NBA and the Blazers organization.
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