How LaMarcus Aldridge Fast-Tracked Spurs’ Learning Curve to Earn All-Star Bid

January 29th, 2016 by Mike Monroe Leave a reply »

SAN ANTONIO — LaMarcus Aldridge arrived in Northeast Ohio for Saturday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers as a member of a select group. Of the 24 players who will participate in the All-Star Game in Toronto on Valentine’s Day, the San Antonio Spurs forward-center is one of only eight who have been picked for a fifth consecutive year.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this distinction. Aldridge’s acceptance of the Spurs’ egalitarian approach to the NBA game has been a work in progress all season. His shots per game and scoring average have dropped by about 33 percent. He’s had seven games when he’s scored in single digits.

Aldridge’s pick rubbed some the wrong way. Charles Barkley told the TNT audience Tony Parker should have been the second Spur in Toronto instead of Aldridge. And thousands of Portlandians were incredulous that Damian Lillard was snubbed again.

Of course, the Spurs know better than to react to anything Barkley postulates and likely agree that Lillard deserves to be an All-Star. Ultimately, they're happy for Aldridge and appreciate ev ...

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