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San Antonio Spurs: LaMarcus Aldridge backs up words with actions

By Matthew Hallett

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 18: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 18, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 18: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 18, 2017 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Day one of regular season basketball for the San Antonio Spurs resulted in a win. LaMarcus Aldridge, saying he wanted a larger role over the offseason backed up words with actions.

Another season has started and the San Antonio Spurs have started out with another win. It was not as emphatic as their humbling of the Golden State Warriors at the start of last season, but it was good nonetheless. My biggest interest in the game was how LaMarcus Aldridge would play after revealing he was unhappy over the summer, per ESPN‘s Michael C. Wright.

Aldridge was unhappy about the reduced role he had been given during his time at the Spurs. He might not have gone to the team knowing he was the No. 2 option. He needs to touch the ball to gain rhythm, which is important for any player.

The star forward took advantage of Gregg Popovich’s open door policy to have a conversation about it with his head coach. The results speak volumes about why the Spurs are so successful. Popovich admitted Aldridge was justified in his feelings and his staff would work on it.

Aldridge obviously believed in his coach, signing a contract extension. He extended for a three years at a value of $72 million.

The thing is, if you have a meeting with your head coach saying you are unhappy, you had better back it up. Fortunately, Aldridge has game. The season opened with both Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker injured. How did he respond?

The response

The season started for the San Antonio Spurs taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves at home. The Timberwolves have retooled and are a potential power in the stacked Western Conference.

While being named at power forward, Aldridge spent most of his time playing against the young phenom Karl-Anthony Towns. In order for the Spurs to take the win, Aldridge would have to get the better of Towns.

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Towns played 34 minutes, collecting a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Aldridge responded with his own double-double in 38 minutes, tallying 25 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Aldridge was central to the offense, hitting shots that reminded me of his Portland Trail Blazers days. He was taking the young Towns to school on how to properly play in the post. Importantly, Aldridge also hit one shot from outside the arc, keeping the third-year player guessing.

However, it was his work on the defensive end that showed me he is truly switched on and buying into the Spurs mentality. One moment symbolized this. On a fast break, Towns was going to get an easy two. Aldridge chased his down the court and blocked him at the rim from behind.

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Shabazz Muhammad cleaned up the deflection and scored, but the play showed Aldridge is committed to the team and is putting it all on the line to help them win. His role will adjust when Leonard returns, but until then he is leading the team. His play may mean the difference between a high or low seed.

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