Spurs' LaMarcus Aldridge cleared to play after heart arrhythmia occurrence
Less than a week after the San Antonio Spurs announced that forward LaMarcus Aldridge would be out indefinitely due to a minor heart arrhythmia occurrence, the five-time All-Star has been cleared to resume all basketball-related activities.
The Spurs announced Wednesday morning that — after multiple tests, examinations and consultations — Aldridge is available to play in Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers with no restrictions.
Aldridge, 31, has a history of heart-related issues. He was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome during his rookie season in Portland — a condition in which an extra electrical pathway between the heart's upper and lower chambers causes a rapid heartbeat, according to the Mayo Clinic. He had a recurrence in 2011, but Spurs spokesman Tom James reiterated that this most recent issue wasn't related to any prior incidents.
"We are thankful that LaMarcus will be able to rejoin the team," Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said in a statement. "All of us have been impressed with the professionalism and grace he has shown in dealing with this difficult situation."
Aldridge, who signed with the Spurs in 2015 after spending his first nine season with Portland, is averaging 17.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and two assists. The Spurs are in second place in the Western Conference, just a ½ game behind the Golden State Warriors.
"We're thrilled about (Aldridge being cleared to play), but more importantly thrilled that doctors feel that he's fine and sense that we're not putting him in danger or anything like that. That's the most important part," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich told reporters at Wednesday's shootaround. " ... Throughout the year, he's gone through some procedures and had to do some things that are not pleasant. He's shown a lot of class and a lot of fortitude in the way he's done it all."
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