Did Ime Udoka really do it again?
Back in 2015, Udoka, then an assistant with San Antonio, helped convince his close friend, LaMarcus Aldridge, to sign with the Spurs — despite the Phoenix Suns seeming like the favorites at the time.
“Ime got the deal done,” Aldridge told USA Today.
Six years later, Udoka and Aldridge — who developed a strong bond while playing together with the Portland Trailblazers — are reunited again.
This time, in Brooklyn.
Despite the Miami Heat seeming like favorites to land the 35-year-old, free-agent big man, it was the Nets who secured Aldridge on a veteran’s minimum deal, a source confirmed Saturday.
Udoka is now an assistant in Brooklyn under Steve Nash. So, at the very least, it’s reasonable to believe the two of them talked beforehand. And it’s just as reasonable to believe that their talk went well.
The Nets’ organization has quickly become a prime destination for both superstars and ring-chasing veterans. Aldridge, fresh off the buyout market, joins a talent-laden roster that already includes Kevin Durant (hamstring rehab), James Harden (possible MVP), Kyrie Irving (reportedly on paternity leave) and Blake Griffin (also off the buyout market). Combined, the roster features 41 All-Star appearances.
Aldridge also has ties to Brooklyn GM Sean Marks from their San Antonio days, as well as Durant and assistant Royal Ivey from their college days — all three playing for Texas at various junctures. Durant, in fact, had just endorsed Ivey for the Longhorns’ coaching vacancy. Another oddity: Nets’ player development coach Tiago Splitter was traded by San Antonio so they could open additional cap space for Aldridge’s max deal.
“We would have had a good team,” Durant told the Houston Chronicle about nearly playing alongside Aldridge — who had already declared for the NBA draft — at Texas.
“But that’s a what-if.”
Not anymore.
The Nets’ frontcourt depth currently includes Durant, Griffin, veterans DeAndre Jordan and Jeff Green, and emerging second-year pro Nic Claxton. With the playoffs coming up, it’s good for Nash to have as many options as possible — depending on matchups.
In 21 games for the Spurs, Aldridge averaged 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds in 25.9 minutes. Aldridge, though, hasn’t played since March 1, so he may need some time to work back into playing shape — much like Griffin did.
The Miami Herald reported that Aldridge ultimately was swayed by Brooklyn having a better chance to emerge out of the Eastern Conference. And it’s worth wondering whether he would’ve picked Miami had the Heat secured Kyle Lowry in a trade, rather than Victor Oladipo.
In any case, the Nets will gladly take it. The internet was once again in an uproar over Brooklyn adding another impact piece on the cheap.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are still considered the favorites to land Andre Drummond. Interestingly, Griffin, Aldridge and Drummond are all represented by Excel Sports Management. LA has both LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the mend.
There are still plenty of obstacles to overcome — and nothing is guaranteed — but it was easy to dream on the possibility of a Nets-Lakers NBA finals after a very eventful Saturday.
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March 28, 2021 at 09:40AM
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Brooklyn Nets Shock NBA World Again, Land LaMarcus Aldridge - Forbes
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