NBA Rumors: 7-Time All-Star Big Man Could Be On Verge Of Retirement

Although he showed he could still be productive off the bench last season, and do his thing from mid-range that he's always done, it appears that we might have seen the last of 7-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge. 

According to Sports Illustrated's NBA Insiders Chris Mannix and Howard Beck on the Crossover podcast, the two agreed that they don't believe Aldridge will be returning to play in the NBA this season.

It was only a year-and-a-half ago that the now-37-year-old retired for the first time, making the announcement after he was diagnosed with a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat. 

But by September 2021, doctors cleared him to play, and he returned last season to play with the Brooklyn Nets. He managed to get into 47 games, in and around a series of injuries including a hip issue and an ankle sprain.

When he did hit the court, however, he averaged 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and shot 55.0% from the floor. He was still knocking 'em down from mid-range with the best of them. 

But Aldridge lost his spot in the rotation late in the season after the acquisition of Andre Drummond and the emergence of backup big man Nic Claxton. His lack of mobility and athleticism left him nailed to the bench down the stretch after he returned from his hip injury.

Now, after 16 years, it appears that the 7-time All-Star and 5-time All-NBA selection might have just had enough of the pounding on his body. No official word yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Photos: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports, Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports