In August 2012, Gregg Popovich called a 21 year old who averaged a meager 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game the future “face of the Spurs.” That’s not only come to pass just three years later, but the meteoric rise of Kawhi Leonard from mid first-round pick to full-fledged superstar has renewed San Antonio’s ongoing dynasty – both directly and otherwise.
After his team trounced the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night as Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobilii watched from the bench, LaMarcus Aldridge gave a further explanation for his decision to sign with the Spurs last summer. The most revelatory tidbit gleaned from his post-game chat with Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, though, wasn’t confirmation that Phoenix was a close runner-up for the sharp-shooting big man.
What was one of the main reasons Aldridge chose to wear black and silver? A realization that he no longer needed to be “the guy,” and the knowledge that Leonard already was for San Antonio.
“I’ve always enjoyed being the guy,” Aldridge said. “I worked hard in Portland to earn the right for it to be my team. That was hard-earned, so I take pride in that.”
But, Aldridge also noted, “things change.”
“I don’t see myself being that guy here,” Aldridge said. “This is more Kawhi’s team, and we all fit in around him and try to make his life a little easier. If I was trying to be that guy still, I should have not come. I’m OK trying to help Kawhi be great every night.”
Leonard, of course, could probably be great every night by his lonesome. He’s a first-tier MVP candidate in 2015-16, supplementing his peerless defense with the all-court prowess on the other at which he’s hinted since 2011. If the all-for-one Spurs are an individual’s team, they’re definitely Leonard’s.
But the steady, consistent helping hands of veteran stars like Aldridge, Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili have certainly made the 23 year old’s adjustment to alpha dog more seamless than it would have been otherwise. Some thought a historically ball-dominant player like the former Portland Trail Blazers star would clash with San Antonio’s ballyhooed offensive ethos. Instead, Aldridge has helped make his new team arguably better than ever – and is doing so with his new mindset as much as his immense physical gifts.
(Via San Antonio Express-News)