LaMarcus Aldridge has played only one game for the Brooklyn Nets. Watching him, however, couldn’t help but cause me to shake my head at the television. All I could keep thinking to myself was, it looks as if he’s been there all season.
In a small sample size, Aldridge showed how he could be an ideal fit for Brooklyn’s push this season for a championship.
The Nets torched the Charlotte Hornets, Thursday night at Barclays, 111-89, without Eastern Conference Player of the Month James Harden.
Aldridge, in his Brooklyn debut, was given the starting assignment at center by head coach Steve Nash. He finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.
“It was easy for me, so I had fun tonight for sure,” Aldridge said afterwards.
It sure as heck looked easy.
The Nets signed Aldridge last month after he reached a buyout agreement with San Antonio. The 35 year-old veteran has been selected to five All-NBA teams and is a seven-time NBA All-Star.
It’s what Aldridge brings to the table now, at this stage in his career, which was on display last night.
His ability to pass out of the post, specifically when the double-team comes his way will play big for this team. Sharpshooters Joe Harris and Landry Shamet will feast off the added open looks they’ll receive with Aldridge in the mix.
Aldridge’s bread and butter throughout his career has been his fadeaway jump shot. He can knock down the mid-range shot and, if he catches you slipping, will knock down the three-point shot.
Against the Hornets, there were moments where it looked too easy for Aldridge. And then there also were reminders the Nets were playing the Hornets. Therefore, let’s perhaps look at this game with tempered emotions and expectations.
Yes, let’s give that a try before we start making plans for the victory parade. Agreed?
*three seconds later*
Admit it, you had a difficult time doing that too, right?
Because if you’re seeing what I’m seeing — then you know the Nets just increased their chances of bringing a championship to Brooklyn this summer.
This was just a small sample size of what Aldridge brings to Brooklyn. Soon we’ll see how the big picture looks when Kevin Durant returns.
