The tall kid who couldn't play became an NBA legend
In short: Before he was a seven-time All-Star, LaMarcus Aldridge was dismissed as the "tall kid who couldn't play" in Dallas parks. His journey from a high school recruit chosen for his height alone to a record-breaking scoring machine is a masterclass in evolving one's game.
Aldridge's path to the NBA was defined by early skepticism and strategic patience. Growing up in Dallas, he was often overlooked until coach Robert Allen recruited him to Seagoville High School primarily for his 6 ft 7 in stature as an eighth grader. Despite being rated a five-star prospect and the country's 16th best player during 2004, Aldridge opted to postpone entering professional basketball. His scoring ability throughout the 2014 postseason was so immense that he became part of an exclusive circle with icons like Jerry West and Michael Jordan, as one of just five athletes to reach 89+ points across two initial playoff matches. Influenced by personal advice from Shaquille O'Neal, he opted to attend the University of Texas instead of entering the draft immediately after high school.
His transition to the pros was marked by significant physical and health hurdles. After being drafted second overall in 2006 by the Chicago Bulls (and quickly traded to Portland), Aldridge faced a life-threatening diagnosis of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome just months into his rookie season, causing an irregular heartbeat. He also battled chronic issues like plantar fasciitis and a torn radial collateral ligament. Despite these setbacks, he developed a signature midrange fadeaway shot that allowed him to become one of the league's most consistent offensive threats.
Aldridge’s peak arrived in 2014, a season where he shattered franchise records. He became the first player in Portland history to record at least 30 points and 25 rebounds in a single game—a feat achieved on December 12, 2013. Aldridge joined a prestigious group featuring Michael Jordan and Jerry West by becoming one of only five players ever to tally at least 89 points in the first pair of games of a playoff series during 2014. He finished his tenure with Portland as their all-time leader in rebounds and second on the all-time scoring list.
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