The Milwaukee Bucks should pursue LaMarcus Aldridge

Versatile Big-man

When LaMarcus Aldridge was a Portland Trail Blazer, there were many fans claiming he was going to become the franchise’s best center since Bill Walton. When he signed with the San Antonio Spurs as a free agent, coach Gregg Popovich moved Tim Duncan to the center to allow LaMarcus to play power forward.

In a league where seven-footers increasingly hang out by the 3-point line, Aldridge has embraced his 6’11” frame. He’s equally as effective playing with his back to the basket as he is facing up from fifteen feet. This allows him to play power forward or center depending on the needs of the team, switching between positions with relative ease.

Milwaukee’s front line of Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez has helped the team compile the best regular season record in the NBA each of the last two seasons. Unfortunately, home-court advantage throughout the playoffs has not resulted in an NBA Finals appearance.

With Aldridge on the roster, the Bucks could move Lopez to the second unit, which would make his ability to knock down 3-point shots that much more impactful. Meanwhile, the threat of Aldridge knocking down 15-foot jump shots would force defenses to play honestly instead of clogging the interior. In this scenario, the high-flying Antetokounmpo would have a field day attacking the basket.