NBA: The Big Question Facing Every Team In 2015-16
San Antonio Spurs
How Long Will The Adjustment Period Take?
Here are some simple facts: LaMarcus Aldridge prefers to play power forward, something he may not be able to do all the time with the San Antonio Spurs; Aldridge is a ball-stopping, one-on-one offensive weapon, a direct opposition to San Antonio’s patented ball movement; and yet, there’s still too much talent and brainpower here for anyone to be worried about this team.
However, that’s not to say there won’t be an adjustment period. Head coach Gregg Popovich will figure out how his new prized acquisition blends with a roster that lost some of its depth over the summer, but the larger issue at hand is how long it will take for that to happen.
Popovich is expecting an easy adjustment to LaMarcus Aldridge, "It's not like he's new. You know what he's doing."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 12, 2015
In the Western Conference, there’s no guarantee to make it out of the first round — even for a legitimate title contender. The Spurs know this better than most after last year’s early exit, which means securing home-court advantage is imperative, even for a group of former champions.
With the Warriors, Thunder, Clippers, Rockets and Grizzlies all gunning for a top record out West, the sooner the Spurs can overcome the Aldridge adjustment period and start racking up wins, the better.
Next: Toronto Raptors