It seems like eons ago that seven-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge was among the best players in the NBA during his time with the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs.
Limited to just 73 games since the end of the 2019-20 season due to a heart issue, the former No. 2 overall pick was cleared to return to action last season. He responded by playing pretty well for the Brooklyn Nets in limited action.
It now looks like Aldridge could get another shot in the Association. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the big man is set to visit with the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
There’s certainly a connection here. Dallas just recently acquired star guard Kyrie Irving in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The two were teammates in the Big Apple over the past two seasons and have a great relationship.
Related: Winners and losers from Kyrie Irving trade
- LaMarcus Aldridge stats (2021-22): 12.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 55% shooting, 22.3 minutes per game
At 37, Aldridge would be limited to part-time duties if the Mavericks opted to sign him. But he could provide much-needed veteran experience, both in the low-post and off the bench.
At 31-27 heading into Monday night’s action against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas is relying on the likes of recently acquired veteran Markieff Morris and Davis Bertans at the four. This is a position Aldridge has played throughout the fast majority of his career since Portland made the Texas product a lottery pick all the way back in 2006.
As noted above, LaMarcus Aldridge is a seven-time All-Star performer. From 2010-19 with the Blazers and Spurs, he averaged 21.2 points and 9.0 assists per game.