Was Aldridge worth it, tbh?

[sasaint]

Nope...Spurs are quasi-rebuilding and it doesn't help that fellow UT alum Kevin Durant now knows he's on a better team than Aldridge. I see empty stats and 55-60 win seasons in the Spurs future, but no rangs

50 wins next season would be the goal, unless PATFO can pull several good rabbits out of their hats.

[K...]

50 wins next season would be the goal, unless PATFO can pull several good rabbits out of their hats.

unless the league recovers from the watered down tanking spell we'll easily get that.

[therealtruth]

Aldridge is very much worth it for the length of his contract, he gives you scoring on the post and size.. Could he rebound better? Sure, could he play better defense? Yeah. but that's not what we got him for. Spurs were tired of getting the ball on the offensive end and everyone ignoring Tiago because he couldn't score 3 feet in front of the basket consistently. Remember he would have a clear path to the rim to score and he would pump fake his way into a terrible shot?

The truth is we are not going to get another Tim Duncan, thats a once in a generation type of player and we weren't after a defensive big who was going to get us rebounds and fly above the rim for blocks. The Spurs knew they were going to need offense and they were not going to get it from Parker or Manu or Tim.. It's Kawhi and Aldridge until the Spurs move on Parker and get an athletic PG that can score and has length to defend.

Ironically what probably doomed them against the Thunder was they couldn't score consistently enough. The reason they got Aldridge. That also takes less pressure of the defense when you can score more consistently.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

I really don't like relying on a streaky mid-range jumpshooter to win playoff games. He missed at least 6 wide open 12-18fters during his awful game 5, including the 12ft bunny that would've put us up 4 near the end. Looked a lot like choking to me.

Also, he clogs up the offense with over-dribbling, and doesn't seem great at identifying his advantages - in game 2 he scored 4 baskets straight on Ibaka by punishing him on the left block, twice using his left hand. Hardly did it again the entire rest of the series.

Anyway, we're stuck with him - can't trade him after signing him away from Portland only one season ago. Hope he learns to pass, move, and attack his advantages better for next season.

[AFMadison]

Does Harlem still think Aldridge wasn't worth it, lol

[Obstructed_View]

Yes, it just turns out that Aldridge was smarter than the coach.

Aldridge: I want to play for you, but I don't want to play center
Pop: Don't you worry. We'll get Boris Diaw and David West to play center for you, and then we'll use up all our other roster spots on aging guards.

[sasaint]

Yes, it just turns out that Aldridge was smarter than the coach.

Aldridge: I want to play for you, but I don't want to play center
Pop: Don't you worry. We'll get Boris Diaw and David West to play center for you, and then we'll use up all our other roster spots on aging guards.

Not sure that dictating the construction of that roster to play with was so smart by Aldridge. But you have put your finger on the central issue of team construction going forward. LMA does not want to play center, and his rim protection is not great. However, he is not really mobile enough to defend most PFs in the league. Any more, most PFs play as stretch 4s on the perimeter, and LMA lacks the mobility to defend them on the perimeter. Consequently, in looking for bigs to retool the roster we need BOTH rim protection and perimeter defense against PFs. That's a real conundrum.

[tholdren]

Not sure that dictating the construction of that roster to play with was so smart by Aldridge. But you have put your finger on the central issue of team construction going forward. LMA does not want to play center, and his rim protection is not great. However, he is not really mobile enough to defend most PFs in the league. Any more, most PFs play as stretch 4s on the perimeter, and LMA lacks the mobility to defend them on the perimeter. Consequently, in looking for bigs to retool the roster we need BOTH rim protection and perimeter defense against PFs. That's a real conundrum.
spurs pay a trainer, but in all the time watching I've never seen him/her be effective. spurs trot out overweight, non-explosive players, who somehow don't have the conditioning to play 40mpg? spurs may want to look into that.

[CGD]

Of course he was.

Perspective is needed. In my time watching the Spurs I have never seen a player adapt to the system this quickly. For a comparison, you need only look at West who seemed lost most of the time this whole year. Thr Spurs were surprisingly ahead of schedule on defense during the regular season, but as this series showed they obviously lacked the cohesiveness, dynamicism, and creativity on offense that only comes with multiple years of playing together in a famously intricate and nuanced offensive scheme. The resulting dumbing down on offense in turn put too much pressure on the defense against a very talented OKC team.

If the Spurs get a legit third banana to go along with LMA and Leonard, they'll be contenders for the next few years.

[PingPong]

A loser is a loser.

[BackHome]

I guarantee if you asked any GM if they could have LMA and Kawhi on the team you would have everyone of them drooling over themselves to sign them. We got two All Stars on the team we just need to get more athletic and younger. We all know Bonner is gone and we all know that Manu will retire "Going to Miss Him" and Miller is not coming back and probably Martin for that matter. Also, Pop is not happy with Bobo so big chance of a trade or us letting him go. So probably 4 new Spurs players for 2017 run!!!

I think the Spurs are going to be big players and I think will see some trades this year hopefully to move up a few rounds or extra picks..ie..Gary Payton

[Obstructed_View]

Not sure that dictating the construction of that roster to play with was so smart by Aldridge. But you have put your finger on the central issue of team construction going forward. LMA does not want to play center, and his rim protection is not great. However, he is not really mobile enough to defend most PFs in the league. Any more, most PFs play as stretch 4s on the perimeter, and LMA lacks the mobility to defend them on the perimeter. Consequently, in looking for bigs to retool the roster we need BOTH rim protection and perimeter defense against PFs. That's a real conundrum.

If he were dictating the roster construction he wouldn't have signed with the Spurs, because it was pretty clear from the get-go that Pop was going to ignore that request.

As for the second part of your post, I have no idea how you managed to turn it into a "Aldridge can't play defense" rant, but you're way off base. All Aldridge and Leonard need on this front line to be dominant is a halfway-competent NBA center who is near 7 feet tall and doesn't need to be 25 feet from the basket to be effective.

[sasaint]

If he were dictating the roster construction he wouldn't have signed with the Spurs, because it was pretty clear from the get-go that Pop was going to ignore that request.

As for the second part of your post, I have no idea how you managed to turn it into a "Aldridge can't play defense" rant, but you're way off base. All Aldridge and Leonard need on this front line to be dominant is a halfway-competent NBA center who is near 7 feet tall and doesn't need to be 25 feet from the basket to be effective.

It was not a "rant" at all. In fact my posts all season praised his defense for being far better than expected. You have apparently read one. He has been a much better post defender than advertised but not really agile enough that you want him out on the floor. My comments above were focused on LMA's reluctance to play the 5 and his limitations in defending many stretch 4s in the league today. I believe LMA's skill set means that the Spurs need the rim protector you describe and also another athletic 4 capable of defending guys like Draymond Green.

[loveforthegame]

742727095810428928

[spursistan]

742727095810428928
http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/33/bc/33bc3a3a55525a0581376d193421bc9b.jpg?itok=Ax9NmNjC

"It wasn't me"..

[Ice009]

The problem is LaMarcus shuts himself down. He needs to get way, way more aggressive on the inside and not settle for jumpers all the time, just learn to attack at every opportunity while taking no prisoners. He's just gotta be more mentally stronger. It's that simple. I was disappointed in both his and Kawhi's mental game. Neither guy wanted the ball at the end of game 5. I wasn't happy with either player after that game.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

sorry bro i already tagged kawhi as the prime Parker playoffs successor....dazzles in the reg season, but too predictable and easy to shut down.

LMA shut down by pinky injury and ADams and Ibake

Kawhi.,...roberdson? i mean who?


True statement. Aldridge had to go against quality bigs the whole series. Adams, Ibaka and Kanter can wear you down after a while. And no other Spur stepped up on a consistent basis. We can coddle Kawhi all we want but we expect our Finals MVP to destroy a rookie guard not get his will imposed upon. Kawhi is overrated on this board. His offensive game is above average. Other teams do not even double team him when he has the ball. His passing game is average. Tim, Tony, manu, Diaw, Anderson are all better passers. Most elite players make other players better by drawing defense and then kicking to open player. Kawhi doesn't have the BBIQ to do that.

[TheGoldStandard]

True statement. Aldridge had to go against quality bigs the whole series. Adams, Ibaka and Kanter can wear you down after a while. And no other Spur stepped up on a consistent basis. We can coddle Kawhi all we want but we expect our Finals MVP to destroy a rookie guard not get his will imposed upon. Kawhi is overrated on this board. His offensive game is above average. Other teams do not even double team him when he has the ball. His passing game is average. Tim, Tony, manu, Diaw, Anderson are all better passers. Most elite players make other players better by drawing defense and then kicking to open player. Kawhi doesn't have the BBIQ to do that.

24 year old player who's had 2 seasons as being the primary guy.. He's growing into his role and his skills are following behind.. The fact that the Spurs didn't have an offensive identity this season killed them when ISO ball was stifled by the pace of the playoffs. Spurs still hanging on to spare parts when they should be building around Kawhi.

It's like having an old Acer 486 computer and trying to put an i7 or whatever the top processor chip in it to run it.

[manu2timdynasty]

True statement. Aldridge had to go against quality bigs the whole series. Adams, Ibaka and Kanter can wear you down after a while. And no other Spur stepped up on a consistent basis. We can coddle Kawhi all we want but we expect our Finals MVP to destroy a rookie guard not get his will imposed upon. Kawhi is overrated on this board. His offensive game is above average. Other teams do not even double team him when he has the ball. His passing game is average. Tim, Tony, manu, Diaw, Anderson are all better passers. Most elite players make other players better by drawing defense and then kicking to open player. Kawhi doesn't have the BBIQ to do that.

Yeah Kawhi didn't have to go up against Adams, Ibaka, and Kanter. Really? Look how inconsistant Curry has been. Kawhi also guards the other teams best player. This is a Spurs message board, yet it seems there is more Kawhi hate here. Lastly its clear your love for Parker for whatever reason sees Kawhi as a threat. I appreciate everything Parker has done for the franchise but he needs to swallow his pride and come off the bench.

[LongtimeSpursFan]

Yeah Kawhi didn't have to go up against Adams, Ibaka, and Kanter. Really? Look how inconsistant Curry has been. Kawhi also guards the other teams best player. This is a Spurs message board, yet it seems there is more Kawhi hate here. Lastly its clear your love for Parker for whatever reason sees Kawhi as a threat. I appreciate everything Parker has done for the franchise but he needs to swallow his pride and come off the bench.

I never mentioned anything about Parker. Besides out of all the matchups rhe starters has against OKC shouldn't Kawhi have had the most advantageous matchup? Kawhi was being guarded by a rookie guard.

[manu2timdynasty]

First of all Robinson is an above average defender. His only job is defense. His defense earned him praise well before the playoffs and continued on throughout the Warriors series. Too many examples to pick just one, so you choose.
https://www.google.com/search?q=andre+roberson&oq=andre+ro&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3.4807j0j4&client=ms-android-att-aio-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#q=andre+roberson+defense

Defensive Funneling: The concept of crowding on the perimeter and funneling to the big men. Again too many articles to post, this being basic bball 101...so you choose.
https://www.google.com/search?q=defensive+funneling&oq=defensive+funneling&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l2.8182j0j4&client=ms-android-att-aio-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#q=basketball+defense+funneling

I appreciate Parker, but again he can no longer get around his defender and his inconsistent jump shot makes him a liability.
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/05/tony-parker-kawhi-leonard-san-antonio-spurs-oklahoma-city-thunder

You're probably tired of the truth bombs and won't click the above link so here's the important part:
"On four consecutive possessions during the fourth quarter of the Spurs’ pivotal Game 5 game against the Thunder, MVP runner-up Kawhi Leonard did not touch the ball."
DID NOT TOUCH THE FUCKING BALL!

In case you're wondering here's Kawhi's last FG.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aVJKfBPXuH4
A steal and a dunk on Westbrook.

Kawhi averaged 23 and 7 on 48% shooting against OKC. All while guarding Westbrook or Durant. So really Wtf are you talking about? What's with the agenda?

[spurraider21]

Harlem
:lmao he actually went back to delete this post

https://i.gyazo.com/21268430dd2939a11a0bd81e6397a7c8.png
HarlemHeat37 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=11597) :lmao

[Hoops Czar]

:lmao he actually went back to delete this post

https://i.gyazo.com/21268430dd2939a11a0bd81e6397a7c8.png
HarlemHeat37 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=11597) :lmao


I know, right? He should have at least waited until the postseason where their wouldn't have been any reason to delete.

[TheGreatYacht]

:lmao he actually went back to delete this post

https://i.gyazo.com/21268430dd2939a11a0bd81e6397a7c8.png
HarlemHeat37 (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=11597) :lmao
:lmao .....

[spursistan]

bump..

I supported the signing, but it is starting to have a chilling Richard Jefferson air to it, tbh..Such a poor intangibles player when he isn't putting up 18-20 shots, he really can't affect the game otherwise..Even his rebounding is taking a nosedive this year..Thought he would continue where he left off the past regular season (virtually a DD machine from Jan-APR), but he has come out of shape pacing himself Shaq-style..Very disappointed in him..

[apalisoc_9]

bump..

I supported the signing, but it is starting to have a chilling Richard Jefferson air to it, tbh..Such a poor intangibles player when he isn't putting up 18-20 shots, he really can't affect the game otherwise..Even his rebounding is taking a nosedive this year..Thought he would continue where left off that past regular season (virtually a DD machine from Jan-APR), but he has come out of shape pacing himself Shaq-style..Very disappointed in him..

Need to get rid of him for another penetrator

[Nathan89]

He was still worth it. The Spurs can move him at any time for good assets. It's not like he's Pau or Parker.

[MaNu4Tres]

Doesnt put in the work in the offseason.

It showed last yr to start the season and its showing again.

High volume mid range shooter. His style of offense doesnt make his teammates better. If you throw it to him, youre getting a midrange jumper 80% of the time. Smart teams never double.

Going into tonight he was only grabbing 16.7% of contested rebounds around him ( terrible-- tied to effort/ feet/ stamina).

Poor intangles. You remember Duncans' crisp rotations, deflections, all those tipped O rebounds back to the back court, his awareness after grabbing the defensive rebound-- hitting the long outlet in stride or leading the PG with a long bounce pass igniting fast breaks. His screens that never were half ass, his crisp dives in PnRs.. I could go on...Duncan was elite in all intangibles. Aldridge has none of it.

Inexcusable for a guy thats suppose to lead a team to a title.

Sell while you can.

[apalisoc_9]

Doesnt put in the work in the offseason.

It showed last yr to start the season and its showing again.

High volume mid range shooter. His style of offense doesnt make his teammates better. If you throw it to him, youre getting a midrange jumper 80% of the time. Smart teams never double.

Going into tonight he was only grabbing 16.7% of contested rebounds around him ( terrible-- tied to effort/ feet/ stamina).

Poor intangles. You remember Duncans' crisp rotations, deflections, all those tipped O rebounds back to the back court, his awareness after grabbing the defensive rebound-- hitting the long outlet in stride or leading the PG with a long bounce pass igniting fast breaks. His screens that never wete half ass, his crisp dives in PnRs.. I could go on...Duncan was elite in all intangibles. Aldridge has none of it.

Inexcusable for a guy thats suppose to lead a team to a title.

Sell while you can.

[timtonymanu]

Doesnt put in the work in the offseason.

It showed last yr to start the season and its showing again.

High volume mid range shooter. His style of offense doesnt make his teammates better. If you throw it to him, youre getting a midrange jumper 80% of the time. Smart teams never double.

Going into tonight he was only grabbing 16.7% of contested rebounds around him ( terrible-- tied to effort/ feet/ stamina).

Poor intangles. You remember Duncans' crisp rotations, deflections, all those tipped O rebounds back to the back court, his awareness after grabbing the defensive rebound-- hitting the long outlet in stride or leading the PG with a long bounce pass igniting fast breaks. His screens that never were half ass, his crisp dives in PnRs.. I could go on...Duncan was elite in all intangibles. Aldridge has none of it.

Inexcusable for a guy thats suppose to lead a team to a title.

Sell while you can.

For all the crap Splitter and even Diaw got, they sure as hell had more intangibles than LMA too. It's the difference between a contender and a pretender. I mean Dedmon and Lee have outplayed Softie so far and that's embarrassing.

[spursistan]

Doesnt put in the work in the offseason.

It showed last yr to start the season and its showing again.

High volume mid range shooter. His style of offense doesnt make his teammates better. If you throw it to him, youre getting a midrange jumper 80% of the time. Smart teams never double.

Going into tonight he was only grabbing 16.7% of contested rebounds around him ( terrible-- tied to effort/ feet/ stamina).

Poor intangles. You remember Duncans' crisp rotations, deflections, all those tipped O rebounds back to the back court, his awareness after grabbing the defensive rebound-- hitting the long outlet in stride or leading the PG with a long bounce pass igniting fast breaks. His screens that never wete half ass, his crisp dives in PnRs.. I could go on...Duncan was elite in all intangibles. Aldridge has none of it.

Inexcusable for a guy thats suppose to lead a team to a title.

Sell while you can.

:tu

He is who he is now at 31 year-old; even the Spurs can't mold him differently..I'm more on board with the trade option.

[timtonymanu]

Let's remember this nigga was seriously considering playing for the Suns :lol. Should have been the red flag.

[HarlemHeat37]

Eh, just like with Parker being finished early on during the 2014-2015 season, there are some things you just have to accept and move on, tbh..no point of holding on to blind hope..

I don't blame people for being optimistic that Aldridge could develop into a championship-caliber player, though..part of being a sports fan is hoping for miracles and cheering for the unlikely outcome..he's 31 years old, he is what he is..

[MaNu4Tres]

Let's remember this nigga was seriously considering playing for the Suns :lol. Should have been the red flag.

For a while too...maybe still is..

[apalisoc_9]

For a while too...maybe still is..

Any scenario we can get one of their Guards? Knight and Bledsoe will have cheap contracts for the next 3 years...:lol

[Kawhitstorm]

Doesnt put in the work in the offseason.

It showed last yr to start the season and its showing again.

High volume mid range shooter. His style of offense doesnt make his teammates better. If you throw it to him, youre getting a midrange jumper 80% of the time. Smart teams never double.

Going into tonight he was only grabbing 16.7% of contested rebounds around him ( terrible-- tied to effort/ feet/ stamina).

Retired Tim is in better shape than Softridge.:lol

[HarlemHeat37]

If he gets outplayed by Ryan Anderson in this series, he should retire immediately, tbh..

[Spurs9]

Is he still on Twitter? Maybe he needs to deactivate his account after this game tbh

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Is he still on Twitter? Maybe he needs to deactivate his account after this game tbh

He's deactivated all social media already. At this point he needs to deactivate his life.

[spursistan]

Two years later, and a legitimate question could be asked: would the Spurs be even worse off than they are today had they not pursued him?

[spursmvp]

Two years later, and a legitimate question could be asked: would the Spurs be even worse off than they are today had they not pursued him?

Unfortunately yes. We would've just used that money to pay tiago, cory, boban, baynes and all that trash. At least we got to the WCF with him...

[Hoops Czar]

Two years later, and a legitimate question could be asked: would the Spurs be even worse off than they are today had they not pursued him?
Depends on how big of a Cady Lalanne fan you are.