LaMarcus Aldridge Says Transition To Bench Role Has Been 'Very Difficult'

Post #1 » by **RealGM Wiretap** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 1:53 pm

LaMarcus Aldridge became a starter in the second half of his rookie season in with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2006-07. Since then, Aldridge hadn't come off the bench until he was no longer part of the plans with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021. Not starting has been a way of life upon his return to the Brooklyn Nets this season.

Aldridge has played as a reserve in 17 of the Nets first 18 games. The big man has played well, averaging 13.4 points per game on career-best 57.7% shooting. But Aldridge says the transition hasn't been easy.

“It’s very difficult. You’ve been one type of player or a certain type of player your whole career. It’s definitely different coming off the bench and not playing much,” Aldridge said. “So it’s been difficult. … I’m still trying to figure it out and navigate it and find my spots. And I’m just trying to find my ways to try and help out.”

After joining the Nets in 2020-21, following a buyout from the Spurs, Aldridge played in just five games. He was then forced to leave Brooklyn following discovery of a heart condition. While away from the NBA, Aldridge got treatment and was able to find a way to play. He returned to the Nets on a one-year deal this offseason.

Via Brian Lewis/New York Post

chilluminati · Post #2 » by **chilluminati** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 2:59 pm

With one foot in retirement, he needs to just stay quiet and keep ring chasing. You don't complain about not being a starter once you decide to ring chase.

Cassius · Post #3 » by **Cassius** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 4:34 pm

chilluminati wrote:With one foot in retirement, he needs to just stay quiet and keep ring chasing. You don't complain about not being a starter once you decide to ring chase.

Exactly. I guess you have to respect his honesty, but he seems to lack a bit of self awareness, even back to how he felt about Dame when the rookie first arrived.

PerfectJab · Post #4 » by **PerfectJab** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 4:36 pm

chilluminati wrote:With one foot in retirement, he needs to just stay quiet and keep ring chasing. You don't complain about not being a starter once you decide to ring chase.

How does saying the transition to a bench role being difficult and trying to figure it out have anything to do with complaining?

I put my money on the fact that you have no idea what the context behind his response was.

Lockdown504090 · Post #5 » by **Lockdown504090** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 5:16 pm

starting and coming off the bench are wildly different and the ability to do so is why there are some guys who are averaging 25 overseas but cant crack a rotation and there are guys who go barely playing to being MUCH better when they become a starter.

tigerae · Post #6 » by **tigerae** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 8:25 pm

Who decided to sign with the Nets, knowing they already had quite a few front court players. If he wanted to start there were quite few teams that could have used his services, including his old team the Blazers.

gswhoop · Post #7 » by **gswhoop** » Tue Nov 23, 2021 8:25 pm

Just looking forward to seeing all these ring chasers fail.

RiotPunch · Post #8 » by **RiotPunch** » Wed Nov 24, 2021 1:50 am

Bruh you 36 like

Temuhjan · Post #9 » by **Temuhjan** » Wed Nov 24, 2021 2:19 am

LMA may be 36 years old, but his touch is still there, especially in a half court setting. I would start him over Blake Griffin.

Pickled Prunes · Post #10 » by **Pickled Prunes** » Wed Nov 24, 2021 3:22 am

Temuhjan wrote:LMA may be 36 years old, but his touch is still there, especially in a half court setting. I would start him over Blake Griffin.

They are playing almost identical minutes. What does it matter? Ego maybe?

Pickled Prunes · Post #11 » by **Pickled Prunes** » Wed Nov 24, 2021 3:23 am

That transition form couch to bench has historically been pretty rough. :lol:

gigantes · Post #12 » by **gigantes** » Wed Nov 24, 2021 3:55 am

Temuhjan wrote:LMA may be 36 years old, but his touch is still there, especially in a half court setting. I would start him over Blake Griffin.

Blake has been the best defender on the team by a wide margin, and Aldridge has done a great job coming off the bench and putting the ball in the basket when they need some scoring punch.

Both guys' roles make good sense right now, and there's no reason to switch things up 'just because.'

The main reason I'd swap their roles around is when certain matchups call for it.

Both guys are also in their twilight years, and should understand that things are going to be a little different for them now minutes-wise. Not to mention, the point of joining together to chase a ring is to sacrifice and do what's best for the team. And that's how that works.

Pickled Prunes · Post #13 » by **Pickled Prunes** » Wed Nov 24, 2021 8:22 pm

tigerae wrote:Who decided to sign with the Nets, knowing they already had quite a few front court players. If he wanted to start there were quite few teams that could have used his services, including his old team the Blazers.

He would not have started on the Blazers and he certainly wouldn't have found a ring under his pillow at the end of the season.