After an emotional and sudden retirement back in April, LaMarcus Aldridge is reporting considering a come back.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Aldridge has received medical consultation after his irregular heartbeat episode and is “seriously considering” stepping back onto the hardwood next season.
The seven-time All-Star and 15-year veteran proved to have plenty left in the tank during his 2019-20 campaign where he averaged 18.9 points (49.3 FG%, 38.9 3PT%) and 7.7 rebounds for the San Antonio Spurs. This past season he struggled a bit more to see consistent playing time as the Spurs looked to play many of their younger players. The two sides eventually reached a buyout, and Aldridge ended up in Brooklyn where he played just five games. Overall, Aldridge finished what appeared to be the last season of his career averaging 13.5 points with 4.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
If he were able to return safely after his health scare (he has dealt with a heart condition his entire career), there would surely be a number of teams knocking at his door. And one has to wonder if one of those squads could be the Chicago Bulls.
The organization did have him on their radar earlier this season before his retirement, per NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson.
Before his retirement, had heard Bulls could be possible fit this off-season. https://t.co/AgHvtyCN68
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) August 4, 2021
The Bulls are still in need of frontcourt depth with the departure of Daniel Theis and Thaddeus Young. Not to mention, it stills feels likely Lauri Markkanen is playing elsewhere next season. Aldridge would be an interesting add who would only give Chicago more valuable playoff experience and another versatile scoring presence. The team does also have his former Spurs teammate DeMar DeRozan currently on the roster.
At the same time, it does feel like a more athletic rim-running big would be the best compliment to their rotation, which is likely why the team signed back-up center Tony Bradley on Tuesday morning. But, hey, maybe the Bulls are eager to right the wrong of the Tyrus Thomas trade!