Brooklyn Nets’ latest acquisition LaMarcus Aldridge debuted on Thursday versus the Charlotte Hornets. Without James Harden, Blake Griffin, and Kevin Durant on the lineup, Aldridge is expected to get multiple touches on the paint. His first touch as a Net? A kick-out pass to forward Jeff Green for a made three-pointer. 

Aldridge made headlines last week when he decided to sign with the Nets. Many assumed that the former San Antonio Spurs forward was headed to South Beach to play for the Miami Heat but turns out, Aldridge was turned off with the Heat’s performance this season. Aldridge averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists before being bought out by the Spurs. 

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When asked what he can contribute to the Nets, the seven-time All-Star stressed on his ability to defend. True enough, if there’s one criticism the Nets have gotten all season, it’s their ability to play on the defensive end. Aldridge, who's going to be starting for the Nets, also believes he can be the “bigger 5 man” in the roster who can provide more scoring. 

Before the 35-year-old headed to the Nets, Aldridge had a remarkable six-year stint with the Spurs. The veteran is one of the six players in Spurs history to achieve at least 7,000 points and 3,000 rebounds—putting him in the same group as Tim Duncan, David Robinson, George Gervin, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Talk about a lineup of Hall of Famers. For now, Aldridge hopes to achieve something he’s never done in 15 years—win a championship.