LaMarcus Aldridge is ready to start the next chapter of his career with the Brooklyn Nets, joining a superteam that already had Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Blake Griffin on the roster. The addition of LMA earned them a lot of criticism but they’re not worried about it.
Aldridge was expected by many to sign with the Miami Heat after getting cut by the San Antonio Spurs. However, the Nets snatched the player and now are ready to keep their good pace in the Eastern Conference this season. It seems like Kevin Durant has worked in his recruiting talents, as Aldridge credited him as the person behind his decision to go to the big apple this campaign.
According to Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, Kevin Durant tried to reach out to Aldridge as soon as he heard the player was available. After spending the last six years in San Antonio, Aldridge was freed by the Texans and everybody around the league started working to get his signing. Durant was one of those and he told the player he would be welcome at the Barclays Center.
LaMarcus Aldridge said he quickly heard from Kevin Durant when he became a free agent to join him in Brooklyn. "Definitely come here," Durant told him.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) March 30, 2021
This is not something that Durant told him to lure him; Aldridge has serious changes to become a starter and he’s confident he can get this done in Brooklyn. Steve Nash knows he landed a big player and he’s planning on giving him a big role.
LaMarcus Aldridge says he can help Brooklyn’s defense with his defensive IQ and ability to switch, per @MattBrooksNBA pic.twitter.com/F9pFQ94irj
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 30, 2021
This isn’t the first time KD does something like this. In fact, it was revealed that the 2x NBA champion was behind James Harden recruitment to the Nets. He landed from Houston in January, becoming a very reliable piece on the roster.
Shams Charania reported that the Nets are thinking of a frontcourt composed by KD, Griffin, Aldridge and Claxton.
1. Aldridge to start in BKN?
2. New center in LA.
3. LeBron's timeline.
Our NBA Insider @ShamsCharania brings you the @FDSportsbook 3-Point Play. pic.twitter.com/GwzqycTp0s
— Stadium (@Stadium) March 31, 2021
Shams Charania says that LaMarcuss Aldridge will compete for "significant minutes in the center position" as the Nets potentially "transition away from DeAndre Jordan."
Shams says the are moving towards of frontocurt consisting of KD, Griffin, Aldridge and Claxton.
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) March 31, 2021
The picture looks very promising for this team, who are already considered the biggest favorites to come out of the East this campaign. If all these pieces mash well, the rest of the league will be on notice with these dangerous Nets.
