Amick: LaMarcus Aldridge's move to San Antonio got an unlikely assist

[NASpurs]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/spurs/2015/08/24/lamarcus-aldridges-move-san-antonio-got-unlikely-assist/32211597/?

LAS VEGAS – Should the San Antonio Spurs return to the NBA’s mountaintop this season, maximizing the talents of new big man LaMarcus Aldridge and perhaps winning a sixth title since 1999, they may need to come up with an in-house award to honor the man who made it all possible.

It’s not Gregg Popovich, or Tim Duncan, or any of the usual suspects from their storied group. It’s Ime Udoka, a 38-year-old Spurs assistant and former Spurs player who was the unsung hero in their pursuit of the former Portland Trail Blazers big man.

On the surface, this was the case of a four-time All-Star who has never been past the second round of the playoffs making the wise decision to join the organization that has a habit of hogging the Larry O’Brien trophy. But in those crucial early July days that led up to his decision, when his list of five teams had been whittled down to two and questions lingered in his mind about how he would fit in San Antonio, no voice mattered more than that of Udoka’s.

There was mutual respect, their relationship having began as teammates in 2006 when Aldridge was a rookie in Portland and Udoka was the wise, older veteran. They had kept in touch long after Udoka was gone, too, through his time in San Antonio, Sacramento, and Spain and later when he left his playing days behind in order to join Popovich’s staff in the summer of 2012. The trust that would prove pivotal to Aldridge’s decision was built over time.

When Aldridge’s free agency meetings in Los Angeles had all ended and the time had arrived to clear his head on a flight back to his hometown of Dallas, Udoka – who was part of the Spurs’ Popovich-led contingent on the Hollywood scene (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=16&v=PuRsfIp67x4) played the part of closer and made a final pitch at 30,000 feet. To hear Aldridge tell the story, he may be in Phoenix right about now if not for Udoka’s ability to paint a promising picture about life with the Spurs. Udoka, who was weighing offers to play for Murcia, Gran Canariaand two other European teams during that lockout summer when Popovich gave him the coaching invite he couldn’t refuse, knew what it meant to be a part of their special group.

Last month at Team USA minicamp in Las Vegas, Aldridge's partnership with Udoka continued to prove effective. With Udoka leading the way and Spurs small forward/fellow Team USA participant also on hand, Aldridge – both after Team USA practices and before their exhibition game – took part in three Spurs-only sessions intended to help him learn the very San Antonio system that he wasn’t sure was for him. Udoka, true to the Spurs’ selfless form, declined a request to discuss his part in landing Aldridge.

USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick caught up with Aldridge recently about how Udoka helped him decide to sign with the Spurs.

Q: So I’ve heard that Ime was big in the free agency process for you, but was looking forward to asking you about it. That the case?

A: “He was huge. As you said, I played with him, and when he played with us, him and I were really close. And even when he left to go to the Spurs, when we played against them we still hung out and he would get me into the practice facility so I could get in the cold tub. He has always been really cool with me, and I thought he played a vital part in this. If I had questions, I would call him. And when things weren’t looking as good (during the Spurs’ pursuit), him and I would talk for an hour or two, just going over everything. He would maybe reaffirm some things that I didn’t understand, or I didn’t think were accurate. I told (Spurs general manager) R.C. Buford, I said, ‘Ime got the deal done.’ Pop (indicating that he’d remain the coach in the coming years) was very important to me, but Ime put in a lot of work on that.”

Q: Did I hear it right that he flew back to Dallas with you after your LA meetings were over?

A: “It (the meeting process) was done. I was down to two teams, Phoenix and the Spurs. I thought (Udoka) was staying in San Antonio for the summer, so I was like, ‘Hey, I’ve got a jet going to Dallas. You could get a flight from Dallas to San Antonio (to head home).’ So he was like, ‘Cool.’ So he gets on the jet, and I’m like, ‘We’re leaving. You should buy your flight (to San Antonio from Dallas) on the plane. Go buy your flight.’ He was like, ‘I ain’t buying no flight.’ I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ He’s like, ‘I live here (in Los Angeles) right now. I’m flying just to answer any questions that you have.’ I was like, ‘Man, you’re crazy.’ I said, ‘Get off the plane.’ He said, ‘No, I’m going to answer any question that you have.’ So I’m like, ‘You don’t have to do this. Don’t do this.’ He’s like, ‘Nah, I’m not getting off.’
“So we rode – and I had my kids with me and my mom – so they sat in the front of the plane and him and I went to the back of the plane and talked the whole flight. It was just conversation, about the system, about me. It wasn’t really a lot of questions. It was just him telling me how I’m going to fit in. Everybody was making this big fuss about how I’m not going to be able to take shots anymore, or be the scorer that I am, and he was just telling me, ‘We need a guy to score down there. Tim (Duncan) is older, and we need a guy to command a double team down there.’ So I was like, ‘Maybe I’m not a Spur, because I’ve been averaging 23 (points per game) for the last three to four years, and maybe I don’t fit into y’all’s system of let’s all average 17 (points per game).’ And he was like, ‘No, we’re not trying to change who you are and make you average 16 or 17. We want you to be you, because you’re going to help us be better and vice versa.’ He kind of reaffirmed that they didn’t want to change me, and that who I am is ok.”

Q: You had two very different situations in Phoenix and San Antonio. Was there any part of you that was worried about Tim’s shadow? Going with the Suns obviously would have been different, with you as the main attraction.

A: “No, because I’m not trying to be Tim Duncan. I’m not trying to fill his shoes. No one is going to fill his shoes. First of all, he started there and he ended there. I’m not doing that. I didn’t start there. There’s no pressure, because I didn’t start there and I’m not trying to be him. My game is totally different than his.
I never had any issues with it. I think the media blew it up more, like I’m trying to fill his spot and take his role. I was like, ‘No, I’m trying to be me.’ I feel like me being there with Pop in the system with the guys, I should be ok. That was what I was weighing: Go to Phoenix, be the face and the guy, or go to San Antonio and probably win sooner and be more blended in. That was my issue. And I was like, ‘If y’all want me to come here and average 12 or 13 points, that’s not who I am. I like scoring.’ They were like, ‘No, we want you to play in the system, but you scoring is needed here.’ Once I heard that, I was fine.”

[MultiTroll]

Interesting how he wants his shots and was promised by Ime he would get them.
Assuming Kawhi shot attempts will go up, will Porker be forced by Popped to distribute?

I hope so.

[Buddy Mignon]

They sold that nigga snake oil. Between Parker, Kiwi and Green... no way he's averaging more than 15 points. If he does that means the Spurs offense is not flowing and they are featuring him and he's not a featured player. Not to mention West is a ball hog as well. I just don't see him averaging 20 points in the Spurs system and them still being successful. I can't wait to see his reaction when he misses the all-star this year.

[ChumpDumper]

They sold that nigga snake oil. Between Parker, Kiwi and Green... no way he's averaging more than 15 points. If he does that means the Spurs offense is not flowing and they are featuring him and he's not a featured player. Not to mention West is a ball hog as well. I just don't see him averaging 20 points in the Spurs system and them still being successful. I can't wait to see his reaction when he misses the all-star this year.:cry I don't post upstairs :cry

[Dex]

They sold that nigga snake oil. Between Parker, Kiwi and Green... no way he's averaging more than 15 points. If he does that means the Spurs offense is not flowing and they are featuring him and he's not a featured player. Not to mention West is a ball hog as well. I just don't see him averaging 20 points in the Spurs system and them still being successful. I can't wait to see his reaction when he misses the all-star this year.

He'll get over it when he is holding up the Larry O' Brien, tbh.

[baseline bum]

Nice work by Udoka, but is Aldridge going to find the shots here to put up 23 ppg again? He's going to definitely be option #1, but Leonard is pretty devastating on the block and an in-shape Parker is a pretty high percentage scorer. And then Green being one of the top shooters in the league is a weapon the Spurs have to use too. I figure Duncan will take more of a David Robinson supporting role offensively now down low with a talent like Aldridge here, but the Spurs have some great offensive weapons you're going to want taking shots too. Not like Portland where you wanted to run the entire offense for Aldridge and Lillard and no one else really mattered.

[Gladney to see you]

Hopefully, he plays team ball.

[Buddy Mignon]

He'll get over it when he is holding up the Larry O' Brien, tbh.

Or he could be the reason why you don't win that trophy. You got Kiwi out there wanting to be MVP. He's going to have to score and get some assists to do that. I just see chemistry problems from the get go for these band of fags.

[daledondale]

1 minute before :lol

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Or he could be the reason why you don't win that trophy. You got Kiwi out there wanting to be MVP. He's going to have to score and get some assists to do that. I just see chemistry problems from the get go for these band of fags.


I don't. For one LMA, will get a lot of open looks off the PnR for 15-18 Ft jumpers. He will also get a lot of easy buckets from the Spurs motion offense. Splitter would give up a lot of those 5ft post up whereas LMA won't. If LMA get's that close to the basket, he is more than likely shooting unless a double team comes really fast.

People failed to realize the Spurs won 4 of their 5 championships with a low scorer like LMA. Duncan's too old to do this on a nightly basis, so having LMA is a huge plus for the Spurs.

[hater]

:lmao where r the spursfans that claimed Lamarcus would average less points and his production will drop off :lmao

This is LMAlphas team now butches :lol

[Chinook]

This definitely paints a different picture of the process. I would actually say that LMA is more Parker's successor than he is Duncan's. For years, the Spurs relied on Parker's penetration to force the initial movements to allow the team to start its offense. Now, they're relying on LMA's post gravity. I think we'll see the team run a lot of different sets from last year's bunch.

As far as LMA's ppg goes, I hope he learns not to care about it too much, because it simply won't be as high as it was in Portland. I'll be amazed if he even eclipses 20. No matter how efficient he is for a midrange shooter, his offense will not be more efficient than most other guys on the team.

[RD2191]

Knew this faggot was trouble. Will be traded next season imo.

[monkeypunk]

The high low between Tim and Lma will be brutal. Bringing back the 50 playbook!!

[spursistan]

I'm not liking this shots/non-C play feelers he is putting out there, tbh....Dude get a grip you are not Lebron James, and even if you were, Pop rules the roost down here..

[spurs10]

We need him to score. It will be incredible seeing our openers being a formidable offensive threat!

[Dex]

We need him to score. It will be incredible seeing our openers being a formidable offensive threat!

Exactly. I just look back at all the good shots Splitter would pass up, or throw up some weak girly-man layup, and imagine LMA getting those same looks. That's going to be a major new wrinkle in the Spurs offense.

[cjw]

His concerns weren't totally off base. A guy like RJ came here and they tried to make him into a more efficient machine, and not only was his usage down but his efficiency never improved. I know Lamarcus isn't RJ, but RJ wasn't a slouch then.

I see him averaging around 20 ppg, but a very efficient 20. That will increase come playoff time.

[weeks]

he definitely comes across as wanting to keep his numbers up.
fine by me, as long as he performs

[hater]

Ime handing the keys to the entire franchise to LMAlpha

[hater]

1st round exit team just doing 1st round exit team things. Getting a franchise player. This is LMAlphas team now.

[DPG21920]

This is definitely a culture shock for Spurs fans. Not used to all the FA hoopla, guys openly talking about their PPG, etc...as long as he knows winning is the goal I'm fine. But it's interesting. Makes sense that PHX was in TE running. No pressure and plenty of shots.

[Robz4000]

:lol I haven't been able to get too hyped about the LMA signing and this is why. Still, you don't complain about getting a Top 15/20 player while keeping your core and most of your main cogs. Hopefully things work out...

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

:lol I haven't been able to get too hyped about the LMA signing and this is why. Still, you don't complain about getting a Top 15/20 player while keeping your core and most of your main cogs. Hopefully things work out...

He is Parker of the low-post. He is very much an offensive minded player. But unlike Parker, LMA doesn't need to dribble the ball to score. He is a very quick scorer. He doesn't stifle an offense. And with the Spurs system at play, I think he will easily avg 20 ppg as I think his FG% will be in the 50-55% range this season. So he will score more on fewer shots.

[T_L_P]

This definitely paints a different picture of the process. I would actually say that LMA is more Parker's successor than he is Duncan's. For years, the Spurs relied on Parker's penetration to force the initial movements to allow the team to start its offense. Now, they're relying on LMA's post gravity. I think we'll see the team run a lot of different sets from last year's bunch.

As far as LMA's ppg goes, I hope he learns not to care about it too much, because it simply won't be as high as it was in Portland. I'll be amazed if he even eclipses 20. No matter how efficient he is for a midrange shooter, his offense will not be more efficient than most other guys on the team.


When they say he's the successor to Duncan, they mean in a 'this is my team now' context.

The Spurs have pretty much always been Duncan's team (minus his rookie year).

[Chinook]

When they say he's the successor to Duncan, they mean in a 'this is my team now' context.

The Spurs have pretty much always been Duncan's team (minus his rookie year).

And they're still Duncan's team. LMA isn't going to replace Tim in the locker room, and no one expected him to. But I'm just saying that he's not really in SA to replace Tim's offense, either. I actually dunno how LMA is going to fit, since he's neither a four-down guy nor a penetrator.

[jhfenton]

I see him averaging around 20 ppg, but a very efficient 20. That will increase come playoff time.
Agreed. An efficient 20 ppg seems like a reasonable expectation for the regular season. No one is going to average 28 ppg in the Spurs system, but you can maintain the system and have someone efficiently score 20-23 ppg.

[spurraider21]

:cry I don't post upstairs :cry
he can't even view the spurs forum, iirc

[rmt]

Hopefully, Parker will get less opportunity to score - less dribbling and pick and roll - get Spurs into their set - shoot more 3 pointers. LMA can then score 18-20 pts. and Leonard can slowly assume more offensive responsibilities. Parker will be the one to sacrifice ppt and naturally TD/Manu with even less minutes this year.

[szkorhetz]

When your shot aren't falling and Parker is having a bad night, you just need someone to carry the torch and bang down low. Timmy can't do that any more. LMA will be able to. So I am completely fine with him. The doubles what he will force will upon up everything. LMA will be huge for us.

[itzsoweezee]

Honestly, this interview is pretty alarming.Maybe the primadonna label by blazers fans is on point. The saving grace is that Popovich will not take any of LMA's bullshit.

[z0sa]

Only player fans will have a problem with this interview.

[SAGirl]

Hopefully, Parker will get less opportunity to score - less dribbling and pick and roll - get Spurs into their set - shoot more 3 pointers. LMA can then score 18-20 pts. and Leonard can slowly assume more offensive responsibilities. Parker will be the one to sacrifice ppt and naturally TD/Manu with even less minutes this year.

I agree with this, the guys who will sacrifice shots are the Big 3. Pop will tweak things to fit the personnel as he's always done and Lamarcus and Kawhi will have more prominent roles. Tim, Tony and Danny are the complimentary players here. Tony was already transitioning to shoot more 3s and spotting up, and Kawhi was getting a lot more post ups and touches early in the season. The problem was that Kawhi struggled early, he was not very efficient, and the offense stalled. After they both got injured (Tony and Kawhi basically at the same time!!), the team got in a hole. At that point, it looks like Pop scratched the plan went back to Tony, he couldn't handle it and for a while the team looked like they could even miss the playoffs. Kawhi could not pick up the scoring burden that Tony was leaving until March. It didn't look pretty. Overall the team had a very uneven season, and there were enough warning signs that the Spurs needed to "retool" in order to stay relevant and really compete for a title.

Lamarcus did well making sure the situation in San Antonio and his game fit well with what the Spurs wanted to do otherwise it would be trouble down the road, but it looks like everyone was upfront on what they wanted and expected out of the situation. Even Pop said he was going to watch Lamarcus early on and see how he played before attempting to add or tweak things with him. http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25258764/popovich-on-lamarcus-aldridge-im-just-going-to-sit-back-and-watch-him

Spurs really do need a go to guy. Kawhi was growing into that role, but he has yet reached that level. He was inconsistent offensively last year, having a good string of games to end the season, but a multitude of bad games earlier in the season. His decision making is still being developed, and San Antonio lost a number of close games where they really struggled to score and had to rely on an old Manu Ginobili to close out close games.

[Kool Bob Love]

:lmao where r the spursfans that claimed Lamarcus would average less points and his production will drop off :lmao

This is LMAlphas team now butches :lol

it only took one season for pop to go from "you're the big one Kawhi" to " please LMAlpha save us"

[313]

What an Alpha :toast

[Spurtacular]

’ So I was like, ‘Maybe I’m not a Spur, because I’ve been averaging 23 (points per game) for the last three to four years, and maybe I don’t fit into y’all’s system of let’s all average 17 (points per game).’ And he was like, ‘No, we’re not trying to change who you are and make you average 16 or 17. We want you to be you, because you’re going to help us be better and vice versa.’ He kind of reaffirmed that they didn’t want to change me, and that who I am is ok.”

And my weariness of LMA grows. Dude talks of superficial individual numbers instead of winning. And had he went to Phoenix, then he deserved to be ringless. If Udoka had to talk him into it, then he doesn't get it.

[mando6599]

Question: Has LMA's hand injury healed completely? I've not read anything regarding that since he signed. Remember, he was either to decide to have surgery and forfeit the rest of the season, or play through it, tough it out, and just let it heal. Anyone heard anything on that? Thanks in advance.

[Lostwingman]

And my weariness of LMA grows. Dude talks of superficial individual numbers instead of winning. And had he went to Phoenix, then he deserved to be ringless. If Udoka had to talk him into it, then he doesn't get it.

Eh, it gets kinda worn, the "I just want to win" message. Especially when even optimistically you aren't going to win every year. So a player is going to naturally be concerned with with other things as well and LMA being concerned with how he will fit in with the Spurs offensively is understandable.

Slow off season news day is all this is.

[TheGreatYacht]

:lmao where r the spursfans that claimed Lamarcus would average less points and his production will drop off :lmao

This is LMAlphas team now butches :lol

[TheGreatYacht]

And my weariness of LMA grows. Dude talks of superficial individual numbers instead of winning.
Funny. I feel the same way about Leonard.

[timtonymanu]

hater hyping up Aldridge has me worried now. :lol

I expect this signing to be a bust all of a sudden

[Robz4000]

hater hyping up Aldridge has me worried now. :lol

I expect this signing to be a bust all of a sudden

Det too tbh. All the retarded posters are sucking off Aldridge like he's their new messiah.

[Mnky]

People failed to realize the Spurs won 4 of their 5 championships with a low scorer like LMA. Duncan's too old to do this on a nightly basis, so having LMA is a huge plus for the Spurs.


This. The reason we struggled in 13 and last year was we didn't have someone who could drop 30 for us. Parker tried and LeBron shut him down. Outside of that, no one else could drop points. Having someone average 25ppg is great.

People also don't realize that we have a bunch of role players, they NEED system plays to score. Having someone who doesn't need a system is a huge advantage. He system will only make it easier for him to dominate.

[Dex]

Leave it up to Spurfan to find something to bitch about with landing the most coveted FA on the market.

Some of you are morons. I'll leave it up to you to figure out who's who.

[Budkin]

Leave it up to Spurfan to find something to bitch about with landing the most coveted FA on the market.

Some of you are morons. I'll leave it up to you to figure out who's who.

[Vic Petro]

Question: Has LMA's hand injury healed completely? I've not read anything regarding that since he signed. Remember, he was either to decide to have surgery and forfeit the rest of the season, or play through it, tough it out, and just let it heal. Anyone heard anything on that? Thanks in advance.

http://www.nba.com/blazers/news/lamarcus-aldridge-undergoes-successful-surgery-left-thumb

[RD2191]

Det too tbh. All the retarded posters are sucking off Aldridge like he's their new messiah.

:lol fucking short bus finding a new dick to suck since porkers fat ass is going downhill.

[TE]

Leave it up to Spurfan to find something to bitch about with landing the most coveted FA on the market.
Product of a very long offseason tbh

[exstatic]

Leave it up to Spurfan to find something to bitch about with landing the most coveted FA on the market.

Some of you are morons. I'll leave it up to you to figure out who's who.

No shit. We sign an All Star/Second team All NBA player, and they're worried about him playing a role. I'll tell you what his role is: fucking star. When Tim was 30, he wasn't ready to step back and play a role. That was years in the future. LaMarcus shouldn't be expected to, either.

[Mugen]

Dat nigga Ime tbh.....

:lol retard fans worrying about Aldridge's comments....IIRC, the Spurs were bounced in the 1st round last year by a loser team, I think it's time to shake up the status quo tbh.....

[TE]

Dat nigga Ime tbh.....

:lol retard fans worrying about Aldridge's comments....IIRC, the Spurs were bounced in the 1st round last year by a loser team, I think it's time to shake up the status quo tbh.....
This...Aldridge actually sounds like an alpha tbh. With him and Kawhi leading the team, they won't allow the team to lose.

[AFBlue]

He's spent zero days in the culture of the Spurs, and this does feel at the moment like an arranged marriage. But, that doesn't mean it's not a match that will end up working out. Aldridge will hopefully grow to appreciate the Spurs culture, and hopefully the fans will give him some leeway while he gets acclimated. Spurs fan has been spoiled by one of the greatest players of all time tbqh.

[TheGreatYacht]

Leave it up to Spurfan to find something to bitch about with landing the most coveted FA on the market.

Some of you are morons. I'll leave it up to you to figure out who's who.

[eDizzle20]

LA's comments are on point with what he's supposed to do, be the #1 scorer go-to guy.

[YGWHI]

-LMA doesn't know his own stats :D
"I've been averaging 23 (points per game) for the last three to four years" 21.7ppg, 21.1ppg, 23.2ppg, 23.4ppg last four seasons.

-Like Ime and Pop, I want this guy gets his shots. :tu
With Tim and Manu aging, the Spurs were still too reliant on Parker's offense last season. Kawhi's emergence, Parker's injuries didn't force Pop to adjust it. They needed a player like LMA to make a drastic move and definitely change the offensive scheme.

[RD2191]

Should of kept Tiago, tbh.

[DPG21920]

I will just never understand things like this tbh...Really, IME riding on a plane home after you've already had meeting after meeting is what sold you? Over the Suns?

How the Suns were a legit choice to being with I have no idea? How could the Suns have answered his questions essentially, but it took the Spurs multiple meetings and a plane ride w/ Ime to really answer all your questions about SA? I mean, it's hard to read into things like this, but I just don't get it.

When it's Spurs vs PHX there really is not a comparison. Not with regards to coaching, teammates, winning or any other thing on this planet. Either your mindset is have some fun and put up as many shots as you want (PHX) or give yourself a shot to win a title (Spurs). Was it really that hard?

[K...]

well if it was all a ploy for his agent to keep getting the Suns to overpay for his future clients, why would he stop the charade? it may be contrived but if it helps his friend in business why not keep it up> And isn't it better to say you wanted a former player/mentor to hold your hand on a long flight that say that for a high level nba player to say to that a specific midlevel team has no chance to compete and has screwed up its future over and over?


I get the feeling LMA says what he thinks people want to hear and in your average small market city this is a heartwarming tale of the extra mile going through.



also i hope everyone agrees with the following statement: you can do whatever you want to in the offseason so long as you don't hurt yourself playing in foreign tournaments when you know your going to get hurt because of preexisting injury. I mean go ahead and torture a tiger on reality TV, get into a bar fight with shitty rappers, speculate about your teams real chances of winning, as long as you show up in shape and don't fuck around when the season starts.

[timtonymanu]

Dat nigga Ime tbh.....

:lol retard fans worrying about Aldridge's comments....IIRC, the Spurs were bounced in the 1st round last year by a loser team, I think it's time to shake up the status quo tbh.....

Nigga has done great things for the Spurs after his horrid stint as a player there. Also was huge in developing the Wing Stop duo IIRC.

[SpurPadre]

Much ado about nothing. Dude is smack dab in his prime and a proven all-star and at his stage in his career, his usage needs to be maximized. He wasn't just thinking about himself, either. He wanted to make sure the fit was right for both parties. Let's move on to something else worth talking about.

[YGWHI]

How the Suns were a legit choice to being with I have no idea? How could the Suns have answered his questions essentially, but it took the Spurs multiple meetings and a plane ride w/ Ime to really answer all your questions about SA? I mean, it's hard to read into things like this, but I just don't get it.

It isn't that hard. Aldridge made it clear, he wanted his numbers.
He knew he wouldn't win with the Suns but he'd get his ppg in Phoenix, he didn't want to win a title averaging 17 ppg with the Spurs.
If they have to choose, some players want to earn individual accolades rather than win rings if that means they have to sacrifice points and individual stats, it isn't surprising at all.

"That was what I was weighing: Go to Phoenix, be the face and the guy, or go to San Antonio and probably win sooner and be more blended in. That was my issue."

[timtonymanu]

Much ado about nothing. Dude is smack dab in his prime and a proven all-star and at his stage in his career, his usage needs to be maximized. He wasn't just thinking about himself, either. He wanted to make sure the fit was right for both parties. Let's move on to something else worth talking about.

Here's one. Bonner for one more season. :pctoss

[YGWHI]

also i hope everyone agrees with the following statement: you can do whatever you want to in the offseason so long as you don't hurt yourself playing in foreign tournaments when you know your going to get hurt because of preexisting injury. I mean go ahead and torture a tiger on reality TV, get into a bar fight with shitty rappers, speculate about your teams real chances of winning, as long as you show up in shape and don't fuck around when the season starts.
Nah. If you get into a bar fight with shitty rappers and suffer an eye injury, it isn't cool. Don't do it again K...Tony.

[Mnky]

It isn't that hard. Aldridge made it clear, he wanted his numbers.
He knew he wouldn't win with the Suns but he'd get his ppg in Phoenix, he didn't want to win a title averaging 17 ppg with the Spurs.
If they have to choose, some players want to earn individual accolades rather than win rings if that means they have to sacrifice points and individual stats, it isn't surprising at all.

"That was what I was weighing: Go to Phoenix, be the face and the guy, or go to San Antonio and probably win sooner and be more blended in. That was my issue."

Not so much individual accolades as it is giving up your image as a top 10 player in the NBA for a "chance" at winning. Hrs not guaranteed anything in San Antonio, it'd only better than Phoenix. For those who say it's way better in San Antonio, Phoenix would have built around him and were definitely a first found exit team Sith him on the squad. That's about as far as the Spurs got. Why wouldn't it be attractive to be the no. 1 franchise player the team builds around instead of tries to change when you have proven you're a top 2 PF in the game? You'd have to question the legitimacy of a front office that wanted to change you with that status.

[CGD]

Good read. Do worry about some of LMA priorities, but in the end think the Spurs culture will win out. That or David West calling him out if we goes Diva.

[hater]

Good read. Do worry about some of LMA priorities, but in the end think the Spurs culture will win out. That or David West calling him out if we goes Diva.

:lol great points

[spursistan]

Looks like Ime has jumped up Messina in the race to be Pop's heir , tbh..He is young and relates better with our two key future guys (LMA/Kawhi)..

[monkeypunk]

Looks like Ime has jumped up Messina in the race to be Pop's heir , tbh..He is young and relates better with our two key future guys (LMA/Kawhi)..

Pop doesn't need to groom Messina for anything. Guy will be an nba head coach within 12 months. Ime on the other hand can use all the help he can get at this stage in his career.

[devindixen]

It isn't that hard. Aldridge made it clear, he wanted his numbers.
He knew he wouldn't win with the Suns but he'd get his ppg in Phoenix, he didn't want to win a title averaging 17 ppg with the Spurs.
If they have to choose, some players want to earn individual accolades rather than win rings if that means they have to sacrifice points and individual stats, it isn't surprising at all.

"That was what I was weighing: Go to Phoenix, be the face and the guy, or go to San Antonio and probably win sooner and be more blended in. That was my issue."

I think this confirms his rift with Lillard being the face of the Blazers' franchise.

For me, this was a huge turn off. I didn't expect him to be averaging only 17 PPG because he's in his prime and he's by far our most potent offensive player, but to hear him talk about wanting to get his stats is just not what I expected. Before this comes out, I could say that he was probably as Spur a player as it gets that's not on our team.. Now I'm just not sure.. That is not a Spursian thing to say.

[hater]

The spursian way would be to go out in the 1st round. Wake up Timmy is about to be done. KWhi is a great 2nd banana.

We need someon to sell outr souls to. That one is LMAlpha

[TheGreatYacht]

lamarcus is hungry. feed him the damn ball

[DMX7]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/spurs/2015/08/24/lamarcus-aldridges-move-san-antonio-got-unlikely-assist/32211597/?

LAS VEGAS – Should the San Antonio Spurs return to the NBA’s mountaintop this season, maximizing the talents of new big man LaMarcus Aldridge and perhaps winning a sixth title since 1999, they may need to come up with an in-house award to honor the man who made it all possible.

It’s not Gregg Popovich, or Tim Duncan, or any of the usual suspects from their storied group. It’s Ime Udoka, a 38-year-old Spurs assistant and former Spurs player who was the unsung hero in their pursuit of the former Portland Trail Blazers big man.

On the surface, this was the case of a four-time All-Star who has never been past the second round of the playoffs making the wise decision to join the organization that has a habit of hogging the Larry O’Brien trophy. But in those crucial early July days that led up to his decision, when his list of five teams had been whittled down to two and questions lingered in his mind about how he would fit in San Antonio, no voice mattered more than that of Udoka’s.

There was mutual respect, their relationship having began as teammates in 2006 when Aldridge was a rookie in Portland and Udoka was the wise, older veteran. They had kept in touch long after Udoka was gone, too, through his time in San Antonio, Sacramento, and Spain and later when he left his playing days behind in order to join Popovich’s staff in the summer of 2012. The trust that would prove pivotal to Aldridge’s decision was built over time.

When Aldridge’s free agency meetings in Los Angeles had all ended and the time had arrived to clear his head on a flight back to his hometown of Dallas, Udoka – who was part of the Spurs’ Popovich-led contingent on the Hollywood scene (https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=16&v=PuRsfIp67x4) played the part of closer and made a final pitch at 30,000 feet. To hear Aldridge tell the story, he may be in Phoenix right about now if not for Udoka’s ability to paint a promising picture about life with the Spurs. Udoka, who was weighing offers to play for Murcia, Gran Canariaand two other European teams during that lockout summer when Popovich gave him the coaching invite he couldn’t refuse, knew what it meant to be a part of their special group.

Last month at Team USA minicamp in Las Vegas, Aldridge's partnership with Udoka continued to prove effective. With Udoka leading the way and Spurs small forward/fellow Team USA participant also on hand, Aldridge – both after Team USA practices and before their exhibition game – took part in three Spurs-only sessions intended to help him learn the very San Antonio system that he wasn’t sure was for him. Udoka, true to the Spurs’ selfless form, declined a request to discuss his part in landing Aldridge.

USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick caught up with Aldridge recently about how Udoka helped him decide to sign with the Spurs.

Q: So I’ve heard that Ime was big in the free agency process for you, but was looking forward to asking you about it. That the case?

A: “He was huge. As you said, I played with him, and when he played with us, him and I were really close. And even when he left to go to the Spurs, when we played against them we still hung out and he would get me into the practice facility so I could get in the cold tub. He has always been really cool with me, and I thought he played a vital part in this. If I had questions, I would call him. And when things weren’t looking as good (during the Spurs’ pursuit), him and I would talk for an hour or two, just going over everything. He would maybe reaffirm some things that I didn’t understand, or I didn’t think were accurate. I told (Spurs general manager) R.C. Buford, I said, ‘Ime got the deal done.’ Pop (indicating that he’d remain the coach in the coming years) was very important to me, but Ime put in a lot of work on that.”

Q: Did I hear it right that he flew back to Dallas with you after your LA meetings were over?

A: “It (the meeting process) was done. I was down to two teams, Phoenix and the Spurs. I thought (Udoka) was staying in San Antonio for the summer, so I was like, ‘Hey, I’ve got a jet going to Dallas. You could get a flight from Dallas to San Antonio (to head home).’ So he was like, ‘Cool.’ So he gets on the jet, and I’m like, ‘We’re leaving. You should buy your flight (to San Antonio from Dallas) on the plane. Go buy your flight.’ He was like, ‘I ain’t buying no flight.’ I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ He’s like, ‘I live here (in Los Angeles) right now. I’m flying just to answer any questions that you have.’ I was like, ‘Man, you’re crazy.’ I said, ‘Get off the plane.’ He said, ‘No, I’m going to answer any question that you have.’ So I’m like, ‘You don’t have to do this. Don’t do this.’ He’s like, ‘Nah, I’m not getting off.’
“So we rode – and I had my kids with me and my mom – so they sat in the front of the plane and him and I went to the back of the plane and talked the whole flight. It was just conversation, about the system, about me. It wasn’t really a lot of questions. It was just him telling me how I’m going to fit in. Everybody was making this big fuss about how I’m not going to be able to take shots anymore, or be the scorer that I am, and he was just telling me, ‘We need a guy to score down there. Tim (Duncan) is older, and we need a guy to command a double team down there.’ So I was like, ‘Maybe I’m not a Spur, because I’ve been averaging 23 (points per game) for the last three to four years, and maybe I don’t fit into y’all’s system of let’s all average 17 (points per game).’ And he was like, ‘No, we’re not trying to change who you are and make you average 16 or 17. We want you to be you, because you’re going to help us be better and vice versa.’ He kind of reaffirmed that they didn’t want to change me, and that who I am is ok.”

Q: You had two very different situations in Phoenix and San Antonio. Was there any part of you that was worried about Tim’s shadow? Going with the Suns obviously would have been different, with you as the main attraction.

A: “No, because I’m not trying to be Tim Duncan. I’m not trying to fill his shoes. No one is going to fill his shoes. First of all, he started there and he ended there. I’m not doing that. I didn’t start there. There’s no pressure, because I didn’t start there and I’m not trying to be him. My game is totally different than his.
I never had any issues with it. I think the media blew it up more, like I’m trying to fill his spot and take his role. I was like, ‘No, I’m trying to be me.’ I feel like me being there with Pop in the system with the guys, I should be ok. That was what I was weighing: Go to Phoenix, be the face and the guy, or go to San Antonio and probably win sooner and be more blended in. That was my issue. And I was like, ‘If y’all want me to come here and average 12 or 13 points, that’s not who I am. I like scoring.’ They were like, ‘No, we want you to play in the system, but you scoring is needed here.’ Once I heard that, I was fine.”

Your sig. :lol

[aal04]

Kawhi is happy deferring. Infact id imagine he prefers to defer.

I dont mind Parker taking the ball if he can get full healthy form back, but if he doesnt i hope he understands he i just a cog. And im willing to bet Pop pulls him anyways.

I think Pop is man enough to pull anyone, LMA including if they dont listen/perform. Look at SJax, Pop pulled him right before the playoffs and he was one of our best defenders.

[mingus]

Nice work by Udoka, but is Aldridge going to find the shots here to put up 23 ppg again? He's going to definitely be option #1, but Leonard is pretty devastating on the block and an in-shape Parker is a pretty high percentage scorer. And then Green being one of the top shooters in the league is a weapon the Spurs have to use too. I figure Duncan will take more of a David Robinson supporting role offensively now down low with a talent like Aldridge here, but the Spurs have some great offensive weapons you're going to want taking shots too. Not like Portland where you wanted to run the entire offense for Aldridge and Lillard and no one else really mattered.

I think he'll put up 18-20 ppg. I could see him averaging less only if Pop decreases his mins. heavily through the regular season. Which may happen. The Spurs have a stacked team and over the years having one means lower numbers. So there's those things and there's the fact the Kawhi could truly erupt this year as an offense threat and 18-20 ppg scorer and Parker getting healthier/in better shape and seeing his numbers go back to normal at 17-19 ppg. Not to mention the system which promotes ball movement and unselfish play and a plethora of other guys that can put it in the hole.

There'll be nights definitely where he'll go off and score 30+, but I think they'll be countered by the nights he is benched early with 8 points.

I think Ime did a damn good job selling his role numbers wise with the Spurs. I don't think it'll matter if LA isn't averaging what he is accustomed or expects/hopes to if the Spurs are winning.

[SpurPadre]

Here's one. Bonner for one more season. :pctoss

Damn, dude...I'm trying to repress that reality!

[NASpurs]

Just filthy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmKu07XD2Po

[dbreiden83080]

He's not averaging 20 plus here, and he better get used to it fast.. 15-16 a game, the ball does not stick..

Deal with it..

[YGWHI]

We need someon to sell outr souls to. That one is LMAlpha

I don't have any issue with LMA getting his points, like I said before, he's a DREAM addition.

But you have to admit his words cast doubts on his team-mindset, what is he willing to sacrifice for the team, to win?

He said he wants his scoring average, 23 points per game. To score that, he needs many shots and high minutes, at least 17 FGA/36 mpg in regular season.

-What will happen if the Spurs have a good season, lead by 10-15 points in winning streaks, and Pop wants to sit LMA the last quarter of those games? He couldn't average 23 points if he gets less shots and play less minutes.

-What will happen if Parker is healthy and Kawhi has a great offensive season? They could force Pop to think about offensive tandems. What will happen if LMA doesn't want to share the scoring with them if that means he will get less touches and score less points? He wants his 23 ppg not 19-20.

-The Spurs need to continue improving Kawhi offensively because they won't sign a top free agent every off-season. Also LMA isn't LeBron or KD, the Spurs can't afford to become reliant on one player to score. Even having LMA as main scorer, they'll still need to have two primary scorers on the team.
What will happen if LMA doesn't want to share offense and the spotlight with Kawhi in one or two years?

-LMA doesn't want the Spurs change him. What if the Spurs want to change him into a better defender? Will he say I doesn't want to waste my energy playing hard defense 'cause I'm a scorer, "I like score"?

His words can be interpreted as confirmation that LMA really needs to be the man to get comfortable. He didn't leave Portland to win with a better team, he left Portland because he felt overshadowed, first by Brandon Roy and later by Lillard.
That makes me think that LMA was, is and will be a great teammate but...he has a fragile ego.

Others say "he'll change his mind, ppg won't be his top concern anymore"? But that's LaMarcus. And he doesn't want the Spurs change him.

[exstatic]

He's not averaging 20 plus here, and he better get used to it fast.. 15-16 a game, the ball does not stick..

Deal with it..

Boy, are you in for a surprise.

[TheDoctor]

Looks like Ime has jumped up Messina in the race to be Pop's heir , tbh..He is young and relates better with our two key future guys (LMA/Kawhi)..

:lmao Spursfans gonna Spursfans.

Ime upping f*cking Ettore Messina?

[eDizzle20]

I don't mind the comments. It's clear to him the Spurs have brought him in to be the #1 option. There's not many guys in the league you can give the ball to in the high or low post and tell 'em to get you a bucket late in a game. A 39 year old hall of famer cannot be the best player on a championship team as evidenced by last season's first round loss.

[SuperCam]

He's not averaging 20 plus here, and he better get used to it fast.. 15-16 a game, the ball does not stick..

Deal with it..

Crofl, who do you think is gonna be the leading scorer? LMAlpha scored 23 a game with Lilltard scoring a point or two less... spursfan better hope that Bill Parker isn't attempting to score anywhere near that many or it's gonna be another low seeded year. Kawhitistic probably settles in for another 16-18 as the second or third option. have to think green gets around 13-14 with expanded role player offense, Tim in the 14-16 range. Bill around 10-12 for the good of the team. Then the rest gets distributed via system to the bench players.

If Tim really wants to take it easy and rest those old bones I could see LMAlpha's scoring actually go up...

[TheDoctor]

I don't have any issue with LMA getting his points, like I said before, he's a DREAM addition.

But you have to admit his words cast doubts on his team-mindset, what is he willing to sacrifice for the team, to win?

He said he wants his scoring average, 23 points per game. To score that, he needs many shots and high minutes, at least 17 FGA/36 mpg in regular season.

-What will happen if the Spurs have a good season, lead by 10-15 points in winning streaks, and Pop wants to sit LMA the last quarter of those games? He couldn't average 23 points if he gets less shots and play less minutes.

-What will happen if Parker is healthy and Kawhi has a great offensive season? They could force Pop to think about offensive tandems. What will happen if LMA doesn't want to share the scoring with them if that means he will get less touches and score less points? He wants his 23 ppg not 19-20.

-The Spurs need to continue improving Kawhi offensively because they won't sign a top free agent every off-season. Also LMA isn't LeBron or KD, the Spurs can't afford to become reliant on one player to score. Even having LMA as main scorer, they'll still need to have two primary scorers on the team.
What will happen if LMA doesn't want to share offense and the spotlight with Kawhi in one or two years?

-LMA doesn't want the Spurs change him. What's if the Spurs want to change him into a better defender? Will he say I doesn't want to waste my energy playing hard defense 'cause I'm a scorer, "I like score"?

His words can be interpreted as confirmation that LMA really needs to be the man to get comfortable. He didn't leave Portland to win with a better team, he left Portland because he felt overshadowed, first by Brandon Roy and later by Lillard.
That makes me think that LMA was, is and will be a great teammate but...he has a fragile ego.

Others say "he'll change his mind, ppg won't be his top concern anymore"? But that's LaMarcus. And he doesn't want the Spurs change him.

Only in Spursfans' World people bitch about the just acquired ALL-STAR player who replaced broken Tiago Splitter because some comments about his PPG expectations. Like if Tim Duncan never played with his options in the free agency and never came close to choose the Magics over the Spurs right?

Yeah, go, bring back broken Tiago and put Spurs' offense in Enrique's hands dribble dribble. It was about time we had a player of LMA's caliber who could carry the offense during the regular season.

[YGWHI]

Yeah, go, bring back broken Tiago and put Spurs' offense in Enrique's hands dribble dribble. It was about time we had a player of LMA's caliber who could carry the offense during the regular season.
I said it before #55

Like Ime and Pop, I want this guy gets his shots. :tu
With Tim and Manu aging, the Spurs were still too reliant on Parker's offense last season. Kawhi's emergence, Parker's injuries didn't force Pop to adjust it. They needed a player like LMA to make a drastic move and definitely change the offensive scheme

[YGWHI]

Only in Spursfans' World people bitch about the just acquired ALL-STAR player who replaced broken Tiago Splitter because some comments about his PPG expectations.
I'm not bitching LMA, I said before I love that we got him.

I just want to know how the "my 23 ppg" will work with a stacked roster, if he's willing to work on his defense, or play less minutes, or share the offensive load next seasons...


Like if Tim Duncan never played with his options in the free agency and never came close to choose the Magics over the Spurs right?.
Don't compare the 2000 offseason with 2015. Spurs winning culture in 2015?

5 rings, one of the best coaches in NBA history, the best PF in NBA history, the most successful Big 3 in NBA history, the 2014 FMVP/2015 DPOY, the shooter-record-most 3-pointers in Finals history...

[Mnky]

All of those "culture" accolades and still got booted in the first round. Guess they don't mean as much as you think.

This team is stacked from an all around view, it definitely is not an offensive juggaraut team. Who besides LMA can demand a double team? Even with Duncan balling out of control he wasn't doubled and when the clippers doubled Kawhi, he shut Down. Parker needs a screen to get free these days definitely ain't working a double.

[YGWHI]

All of those "culture" accolades and still got booted in the first round.
First round? Well, the 2014 NBA champion had trouble to past the first round. Also the Spurs lost by 2 points in 7 games series.


This team is stacked from an all around view, it definitely is not an offensive juggaraut team. Who besides LMA can demand a double team? Even with Duncan balling out of control he wasn't doubled and when the clippers doubled Kawhi, he shut Down. Parker needs a screen to get free these days definitely ain't working a double.

It was Kawhi's first experience handling double team in playoffs.
He had some problems but got better very fast, 4 great offensive games in 7 games series averaging 20.3 ppg on distributed offense team, I wouldn't say the Clippers shut him down.
Handling double team is a team effort, Kawhi found the open man several times but the shooters weren't effective.

Parker, Mills, West, Green, aren't liabilities on offense. LMA is #1 option but many players can score on this team now.

[Agloco]

Leave it up to Spurfan to find something to bitch about with landing the most coveted FA on the market.

Some of you are morons. I'll leave it up to you to figure out who's who.

Only some? You're being quite gracious tbh.

[Chinook]

Leave it up to Spurfan to find something to bitch about with landing the most coveted FA on the market.

Some of you are morons. I'll leave it up to you to figure out who's who.

Look, I know you're a good poster and all, but takes like this aren't any better than the ones you're criticizing. The Spurs are the team that we follow. Things happen to that team. So yes, we're going to talk about those things and speculate as to how they will affect the team going forward.

There's plenty of reasons to be nervous about acquiring a guy who just skipped out on his old team (who quit in the playoffs along with that). That's especially true when that guy starts talking about wanting to be the focal point of the team, because 1) He hasn't won anything as a focal point and 2) The common understanding of his exit from Portland is that he didn't like being overshadowed.

So yes, the idea that LMA has a hard time learning to accept his role is a concern, because it could end up either splintering his relationship with the team or forcing the a contender to change their entire offense just to make a new guy their main player when they didn't have a problem scoring in the first place.

I don't want the Spurs to become another Portland, because Portland sucks, and the Spurs would have been better off just signing West and a fourth wing while keeping Splitter. I also don't want the Spurs to have a disgruntled max player (or worse, multiple disgruntled max players), and that happens too often to ignore. To dismiss those concerns isn't being grateful or having perspective. It's being blind to the reality that "star" acquisitions fail to significantly improve a team's fortunes at least as often as they succeed.

[apalisoc_9]

It's unsettling how a 30 year old who has never succeeded as a number one option, complained about being overshadowed by lillard and Roy would even ask for specific statistical numbers to a team who in the first place are already contenders and arguably a top 5 team in the NBA. Knowing that "Star" acquisitions fail often, you wonder if it's possible for this trade to make the team even worse than it was before.

Somebody should tell him he was terrible as a first option and that he's not joining a team worse than Portland.

[ChumpDumper]

It's unsettling how a 30 year old who has never succeeded as a number one option, complained about being overshadowed by lillard and Roy would even ask for specific statistical numbers to a team who in the first place are already contenders and arguably a top 5 team in the NBA. Knowing that "Star" acquisitions fail often, you wonder if it's possible for this trade to make the team even worse than it was before.

Somebody should tell him he was terrible as a first option and that he's not joining a team worse than Portland.Someone should tell you that you have terrible takes.

[apalisoc_9]

That was hardly a take. Just facts.

chump still getting an erection everytime he sees my username.

:lol

[dbreiden83080]

Boy, are you in for a surprise.

Uh okay.. If he puts up 23 a game Spurs barely win 50 games..

[AFBlue]

Look, I know you're a good poster and all, but takes like this aren't any better than the ones you're criticizing. The Spurs are the team that we follow. Things happen to that team. So yes, we're going to talk about those things and speculate as to how they will affect the team going forward.

There's plenty of reasons to be nervous about acquiring a guy who just skipped out on his old team (who quit in the playoffs along with that). That's especially true when that guy starts talking about wanting to be the focal point of the team, because 1) He hasn't won anything as a focal point and 2) The common understanding of his exit from Portland is that he didn't like being overshadowed.

So yes, the idea that LMA has a hard time learning to accept his role is a concern, because it could end up either splintering his relationship with the team or forcing the a contender to change their entire offense just to make a new guy their main player when they didn't have a problem scoring in the first place.

I don't want the Spurs to become another Portland, because Portland sucks, and the Spurs would have been better off just signing West and a fourth wing while keeping Splitter. I also don't want the Spurs to have a disgruntled max player (or worse, multiple disgruntled max players), and that happens too often to ignore. To dismiss those concerns isn't being grateful or having perspective. It's being blind to the reality that "star" acquisitions fail to significantly improve a team's fortunes at least as often as they succeed.

Solid take tbqh. Spurs fans brushing this off as much ado about nothing aren't looking at it objectively. He's never seemed particularly enthused about joining the team; even in his initial tweet talking about coming home as part of his motivation rather than joining the org. As I said in my initial post, this appears to be an arranged marriage built on logic. But, we should still give it time to develop. Is there a possibility it ends in disaster? Yes. But, winning cures a lot of ailments, and I suspect if the Spurs deliver a ship in his time here that'll go a long way toward him warming to the culture and fan base.

[Dex]

Look, I know you're a good poster and all, but takes like this aren't any better than the ones you're criticizing. The Spurs are the team that we follow. Things happen to that team. So yes, we're going to talk about those things and speculate as to how they will affect the team going forward.

There's plenty of reasons to be nervous about acquiring a guy who just skipped out on his old team (who quit in the playoffs along with that). That's especially true when that guy starts talking about wanting to be the focal point of the team, because 1) He hasn't won anything as a focal point and 2) The common understanding of his exit from Portland is that he didn't like being overshadowed.

So yes, the idea that LMA has a hard time learning to accept his role is a concern, because it could end up either splintering his relationship with the team or forcing the a contender to change their entire offense just to make a new guy their main player when they didn't have a problem scoring in the first place.

I don't want the Spurs to become another Portland, because Portland sucks, and the Spurs would have been better off just signing West and a fourth wing while keeping Splitter. I also don't want the Spurs to have a disgruntled max player (or worse, multiple disgruntled max players), and that happens too often to ignore. To dismiss those concerns isn't being grateful or having perspective. It's being blind to the reality that "star" acquisitions fail to significantly improve a team's fortunes at least as often as they succeed.

Excellent take. I'll be the first to admit that it's easy to get jaded when 90% of threads around here seem to get derailed by Parker haters, Kawhi proppers, and posters who generally just don't understand how good Spurfan really has it right now. That being said, doing nothing but calling them out isn't really raising the bar.

I'll concede that Aldridge's attitude about getting his shots and putting up X amount of points may seem contrary to the "Spurs way", particularly the one that has been established over the past 3-4 seasons. In a team that stresses moving the ball and finding the better shot above anything else, a guy who wants to be a main focus seems counterintuitive.

I could argue, though, that The Beautiful Game was born not only out of design, but also out of necessity. Tim and Manu are obviously at the point of their careers where they can't be expected to carry the team or be "that guy" all the time (although Tim still sometimes flashes the ability to do so). Parker was the heir apparent, but a combination of age, injury, and shape have made him seemingly unreliable at this point, and Kawhi is still growing into that role (and is also expected to carry the defense as well). The Spurs had to learn to share the scoring load because Kawhi and an aging Big Three could no longer keep up by themselves. But it also needs the team to be clicking on all cylinders for it to be truly effective, as evidenced by the Clippers series.

Adding another proven scorer only augments that attack, not to mention one whose game blends perfectly with the offense. It gives us more options for the starting unit which seemed to go stagnant far too often last year. And as others have noted, it gives the team a bailout to go to when the magic isn't working.

Besides, we've known since the Aldridge Sweepstakes started about his expectations; he is looking for a starring role and wants to be a main guy on a winning team. Some people may view that as selfish; I'm personally relieved to have another guy who is willing to shoulder that responsibility and has a chip on his shoulder. Let's keep in mind that he could have taken the easy route and gone to Phoenix where there is no pressure and every shot he could eat...but he didn't.

Obviously there are no guarantees that Aldridge will fit with the Spurs mantra. At this point, it's up to PATFO to manage that and figure out not only how he can fit within the system, but also figure out how the system can fit around him...and that's the way it should be when you acquire a Top 20 talent in the league. We need only to look back at Richard Jefferson to see what happens when you try to fit a square peg into a round hole. Calling out Aldridge for vocalizing his desire to play the role that the Spurs brought him in to play seems an awful lot like looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Either way, I trust in Pop not to let the San Antonio Spurs become the Portland Guests.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I don't see why people have a problem with LaMarcus claiming he'd want to be the focal point of the Spurs offense. That's exactly what he's going to be. It's pretty clear that's what he's been told by Pop and the coaching staff, so no idea why people would find it concerning at all. He'll also be extremely important defensively too in order for him and Duncan to share the floor and close games. It's not going to be his team, that'd have been Phoenix, but it's easy to see why his role on the Spurs would be more important than even Duncan's or Kawhi's.

It's not like the Spurs have played pass-it-around and share the offensive load for 20 years, they only started doing it a couple of years ago when Parker too, after Duncan and Manu, started struggling. The Spurs offense has for the most part been dependent on one really good offensive player who'd kickstart everything. Used to be Duncan in the 4-down era, then Manu and Parker with the PnR and slashing/kicking out. They'd still be looking to find the open man and the best shot but you have to have someone to start from and it looks like it's going to be LaMarcus next season.

I'm not concerned at all that he demands that role and responsibility, I'd be more concerned if he said something like : I'd just love to be a part of the offense and get whatever the defense gives me. Then people would be calling him beta, etc. It'd also be extremely poor use of an incredible talent in his prime. My concern is that he'll need to play the most focused and energy consuming defense he's ever had to and he may not have enough energy for both being the focal point of the offense and a primary PnR defender.

[tbdog]

There is nothing wrong about getting a alpha dog type of a player, as long as they have the skill. LMA is not Cousins or Iverson, where they cross the line of being an Alpha. LMA sits right where you want a talented scorer to be. We need a player to shoulder the load when the game slows down in a tight playoff series, and we are not forcing a player like Leonard to be that player, or relying on the age of Parker, Manu, and Duncan to have enough legs for it as well. The beautiful game will become contagious for LMA and West. They are both good passes.

There maybe a fine line between being unselfishness and selfishness. We need LMA to be selfish and be the focal point of the offensive and there will be some adjusting. Is he passing too much or shooting too much? As part of Pop's crew, it is about finding that equilibrium of teaching LMA to trust his team mates while carrying us offensively.

It is the exact opposite of teaching Diaw to trust in his skill to score and not just looking for the pass. The difference is, we need the scorer.

[exstatic]

Uh okay.. If he puts up 23 a game Spurs barely win 50 games..

You said 15-16. I'm thinking 20-21 on better shots than he's been taking. I never said 23, but it's not like we don't have a playbook for a scoring big back on a dusty shelf somewhere. No one called Duncan selfish when he was dropping 25 a night.

[dbreiden83080]

You said 15-16. I'm thinking 20-21 on better shots than he's been taking. I never said 23, but it's not like we don't have a playbook for a scoring big back on a dusty shelf somewhere. No one called Duncan selfish when he was dropping 25 a night.

That is prime Duncan and the teams offense was basically throw the ball into the post, and play everything off Tim..

[exstatic]

That is prime Duncan and the teams offense was basically throw the ball into the post, and play everything off Tim..

And now we have prime LMA.

The reason that the ball movement O was put in was that we no longer had that dominant night in and night out offensive player. That's no longer an issue. We have one. Seeing the way the Spurs have changed their scheme to fit the players on hand over the years, why would you expect them NOT to change when they sign a second team All NBA stud PF? That makes no sense.

[GSH]

I just see chemistry problems from the get go for these band of fags.

They'll be fine.

http://bandofthebes.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341cc27e53ef010535ef14a3970c-600wi

[GSH]

he was just telling me, ‘We need a guy to score down there. Tim (Duncan) is older, and we need a guy to command a double team down there.

I've said if for several years. Duncan doesn't command the double team anymore. He's still pretty damned incredible, but that hard double made everyone else on the team MUCH better. If LMA commands the double team, the other weapons on this team will go nuts. And that works both ways - they'll get it back down to LMA and he won't have any problem getting his points. If he's patient and buys into the team approach, he can be ridiculously efficient.

Aldridge has never played alongside the kind of talent he'll have here. He's had some good teammates, but never this complete. Which says we haven't seen everything he's capable of on the offensive end.