LaMarcus Nurae Aldridge is an American former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for two seasons with the Texas Longhorns. Aldridge was selected second overall in the 2006 NBA draft. After spending nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015. In March 2021, he signed with the Brooklyn Nets after the Spurs bought out his contract. He retired after two weeks due to an irregular heartbeat, but returned to the Nets the following season after receiving medical clearance.
Aldridge with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022
Aldridge hangs onto the rim in 2008
Aldridge signs an autograph after a game in Boston in 2014
Aldridge with San Antonio in February 2017
The 2006 NBA draft was held on June 28, 2006, at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. This was also the only time the New Orleans Hornets would draft under the temporary name of the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets as the city of New Orleans was still recovering from the events of Hurricane Katrina after the 2005-06 NBA season.
2006 NBA draft
Andrea Bargnani was the first Italian-born player to be selected as the #1 overall pick. He was selected by the Toronto Raptors.
LaMarcus Aldridge, was picked 2nd overall by the Chicago Bulls. His draft rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Brandon Roy was selected 6th by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His draft rights were traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.