Subscribe
Follow Us
The San Antonio Spurs have been hit by the injury bug even before the season started, and are playing without two of their starters, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker. That resulted in LaMarcus Aldridge taking more of the work load during games until they both return to action.
However, instead of thinking of it as a burden, the 32-year-old Texas product has embraced the challenge, and continues to lead the Spurs to their early success so far.
LaMarcus Aldridge made it known, via Tom Osborn of MySanAntonio.com, that carrying the team on his back for now is part of his job as a leader.
“It’s not a burden,” Aldridge said. “I just go play. That’s what I do. I try to be a leader and try to (generate) offense and make guys better.”
Even Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gave him a lot of credit for how he has been better this season. The legendary coach then cited the effort Aldridge has been giving during games as one of the reasons why they remain one of the top teams in the Western Conference, despite missing some key players.
“He’s been our most consistent player,” Popovich said. “His effort level every night has been off the charts. He’s producing on both ends of the court. He’s been a leader for us, helping out all the new guys and the young guys with the system. He’s been spectacular.”
The good news for LaMarcus Aldridge and the Spurs is that Tony Parker is reportedly on his way to his season debut on against the Dallas Mavericks, and that they still have a 12-7 record to show.
Once at full strength, Aldridge will no longer need to carry all the load by himself, which will preserve his energy for the playoffs.
