Former All-Star willing to join NBA coaching staff

LaMarcus Aldridge. Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Former All-Star willing to join Spurs coaching staff

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 9/15/23

LaMarcus Aldridge called time on his NBA career in 2022. The veteran forward played for three teams during his career, including the San Antonio Spurs. Aldridge was unable to end his career with a championship ring.

However, during his prime, the mid-range savant was listed among the best forwards in the NBA. Aldridge was also viewed as a consummate professional. As such, fans have often discussed the concept of the 6-foot-11 forward becoming a coach. Now, with Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, those discussions have become far more common.

Recently, a fan posed Aldridge the question on X (formerly known as Twitter,) eliciting a one-word reply from the former All-Star.

Yup https://t.co/P5Jo77AVuJ
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) September 14, 2023

Aldridge would be an ideal mentor for Wembanyama. After 16 years in the NBA, Aldridge could help prepare the incoming rookie for the trials and tribulations that await him. Wembanyama has never played against such an elite level of athleticism. Nor has he dealt with such relentless travel.

By adding a recently retired veteran who made seven All-Star teams to the coaching staff, Wembanyama would have someone who can relate to what he's about to experience. Gregg Popovich is an exceptional coach. Arguably one of the best in history. However, the voice of a former All-Star will carry significant weight within the locker room.

Aldridge played in 1076 regular-season NBA games. He was a starter in 997 of them. That type of experience isn't common in basketball. Especially from a player who averaged 19.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

Whether Aldridge joins up with the Spurs coaching staff will remain to be seen. Yet, with his recent comment on X, it's clear Popovich should at least explore the chance of adding a valuable voice to his coaching staff.

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