LaMarcus Aldridge joins exclusive club of 20,000-point scorers in NBA history

LaMarcus Aldridge, the veteran power forward of the Brooklyn Nets, achieved a major career milestone on Friday night as he scored his 20,000th career point in the NBA. Aldridge became the 48th player in the history of the league, and the seventh active player, to reach this mark.

Aldridge had originally announced his retirement from the NBA in April due to an irregular heartbeat condition. However, he was later cleared by his doctors to play and he rejoined the Nets in September. He has since been an important player for the team, contributing to their success on both ends of the court. On Friday night, Aldridge scored 21 points on 10-of-16 shooting to help lead the Nets to a 105-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With just under two minutes remaining in the third quarter, he hit a 22-foot jumper to reach the 20,000-point mark. This achievement is a testament to Aldridge's longevity and consistency as a scorer throughout his 16-year NBA career.

In his post-game interview, Aldridge downplayed the significance of the milestone, saying that he did not know exactly how many points he had scored and that he did not like to count such things. He also defended his preference for mid-range jump shots, which are often considered less efficient than three-pointers in today's NBA. Aldridge has made a career out of scoring from the mid-range, using his size and skill to create space for his jump shot.

Aldridge's achievement is especially impressive given that he retired just 49 points short of the 20,000-point mark in April. His decision to return to the NBA after receiving medical clearance was a courageous one, and he has been able to resume his career without missing a beat. Aldridge's success is a testament to his skill, determination, and resilience.

Looking ahead, Aldridge will continue to be an important player for the Nets as they make a push for the playoffs. His ability to score from the mid-range and his experience on both ends of the court will be valuable assets for the team as they face tough competition in the Eastern Conference. Overall, LaMarcus Aldridge's achievement of 20,000 career points is a significant milestone in his already impressive NBA career. It is a testament to his skill, longevity, and perseverance, and it cements his place as one of the league's all-time greats.

In conclusion, LaMarcus Aldridge's achievement of scoring 20,000 career points in the NBA is a remarkable feat and a testament to his longevity and skill as a player. After retiring due to an irregular heartbeat condition last season, Aldridge has made a successful return to the league and continues to contribute to his team's success. His comments on the value of mid-range shooting and his dedication to his craft serve as an inspiration to basketball players at all levels. Aldridge's milestone is a significant moment in NBA history and will be remembered for years to come.