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Earlier this month, the San Antonio Spurs announced they would part ways with LaMarcus Aldridge by mutual agreement. The news apparently came out of nowhere, and it took a few weeks for the split to finally happen. But after the trade deadline, the two sides agreed to a buyout.
It didn’t take long for Aldridge to find a new team, as he joined the Brooklyn Nets thanks in part to a recruit from Kevin Durant. Aldridge spoke to reporters for the first time since joining his new club on Tuesday and shared his thoughts on his form and expectations. Via ESPN:
“I’m not here to be an All-Star. That’s not what I’m trying to do. I’m just trying to bring value, to try to bring the things I’m good at. and trying to help this team win. I’m not worried about being an All-Star anymore. “
“I mean, if you could start, you’re always going to start.” I think anyone who is competitive will say, yeah, they want that and they’re going to fight for that, so I’m definitely trying to do my job and hope I get it. “
Nets coach Steve Nash also stepped in, saying he was excited about Aldridge’s ability to space the floor.
“He has the ability to make 3 points which is leading the way,” Nash said. “He understands it’s a different role and a different team. I want him to find that natural balance between the way he’s played traditionally and the way we play.”
Now in his 15th season, Aldridge’s best days are behind him, but if there’s one thing he’s still doing at a high level these days it’s hitting outside shots. With the Spurs, he was shooting 36 percent from a 3-point field, making him by far the best great shooting man on the Nets list. Additionally, Aldridge’s mere presence will be important in a team that lacks depth in the frontcourt and has often relied on calls from the G-League and players on 10-day contracts.
As Aldridge mentioned, he’s not showing up in Brooklyn to be a star, and the good news is that he doesn’t have to be one to have a positive impact on this team. He’ll be a fourth, fifth, or even sixth option when everyone is healthy, and the Nets will need him to hit open shots, help space the floor for their main perimeter creators, and provide an inside presence.
If Aldridge locks in on those responsibilities, he has a chance to stage a meaningful final act of his impressive career, and perhaps end it with his first title.
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