1. Which LaMarcus Aldridge will we get?
When LaMarcus Aldridge arrived in San Antonio, coach Pop (by his own admission) tried to make him something he was not. What Popovich later admitted to be “over-coaching” played a role in Aldridge’s dissatisfaction and eventual request for a trade. After sitting down together, the two came up with a new game plan that involved Aldridge staying in San Antonio.
The results were instant. Aldridge’s scoring average jumped from 18.0 and 17.3 points per game in his first two seasons as a Spur to 23.1 per game last season. His field goal percentage went up from 47.7 percent in 2016-17 to 51 percent in 2017-18. He played with more energy and fizzled out less in late-game situations.
As one of two All-Stars on the team and the second option on offense, Aldridge will have to continue his resurgence for the Spurs to have a good season. He will need to continue to be assertive and aggressive in his play. He will also need to maintain great production as he did last year and not revert to “2016 LaMarcus.” If he becomes upset with his role again or begins to sulk, it could spell disaster for the Spurs’ season.
Aldridge is big part of San Antonio’s offense. He stretches the floor, which opens up driving lanes, and he has the ability to finish around the rim or with his soft-touch jumper. Yes, he lacks the ability to rebound at the same rate as others his size (or smaller for that matter), but he knows his role and is good at what he does. If the Spurs can get the LaMarcus from last year again, they will be well on their way to another successful year.