San Antonio Spurs

Another look at how LaMarcus Aldridge can fit into San Antonio's offense

Published Sep. 24, 2015 11:31 a.m. ET

foxsports

The biggest question San Antonio has entering training camp is "how will LaMarcus Aldridge fit into Gregg Popovich's offense?"

It's a complicated question that nobody knows the answer to. Yet. On paper, Aldridge's skill-set doesn't mesh with the Spurs' self-sacrificial plan of attack. In Portland, he needed the ball in his hands to be successful.

In San Antonio, life will be different. Here's another look at how things might work themselves out, per the San Antonio Express-News:

This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting story lines of the NBA season. All eyes will be on San Antonio to see how they fold such a talented player into their squad.

Don't bet on them to fail.

(h/t: San Antonio Express-News)

The trick will be maximizing that skill, which led Aldridge to monopolize the ball at times in Portland, without sacrificing the fluid movement that makes the Spurs’ offense hum. There are numerous indications this will be less a question to be answered than a process to be worked through. Aldridge is a willing passer, averaging roughly 38 per game last season with the Blazers. Just 6.9 percent of his possessions were the result of isolation play. He’s an excellent mid-range shooter with expanding touch out to the 3-point line, shots he should find in abundance with the Spurs. Aldridge also rates among the NBA’s most effective post players, a role he hasn’t always consistently embraced but will no doubt be an emphasis for Popovich.