Despite talk that the San Antonio Spurs are looking to trade LaMarcus Aldridge, the big man says he’s happy right where he is at and isn’t buying into the rumors.
Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, Aldridge shot down the rumor that things are turning sour between him and the organization.
“For sure, I am [happy],” Aldridge told The Jim Rome Show (h/t My San Antonio). “We made history last year (winning a franchise-record 67 games). They incorporated me into the family and tried to make me one of the big pieces. I’m from Texas. I see my family. I’m winning. Of course, I’m happy.
“That’s why I don’t buy into the rumors. I feel like I’ve done everything they’ve asked of me.”
Statistically speaking, the 2015-16 season was a down year for Aldridge, who went from being the center of attention with the Portland Trailblazers to one of many key cogs with the Spurs last year.
Still, the big man did score 18 points, grabbed 8.5 rebounds, dished 1.5 assists and swatted 1.1 blocks per game — hardly paltry numbers.
Aldridge also mentioned, speaking with Rome, that he has a great relationship with head coach Gregg Popovich.
“I talk to Pop daily and he’s always telling me I’m doing great,” Aldridge said. “…He’s put me in position to be more of a leader. As long as the guys here aren’t saying bad things- and they aren’t – than I am fine.”
He says he is getting “a lot more comfortable” in San Antonio’s system this year as well.
“I’m not as lost out there. I’m more confident in what’s going on and what my role is and how things go on here. Last year, I was more in the dark…a little lost at first.”
Last year was Tim Duncan’s swan song.
The Spurs weren’t exactly flowing the way they have in the past as he struggled to play up to his normally dominating standard during his final campaign.
As the Spurs move on from the Duncan era, things are bound to be a bit weird. But Aldridge is a proven product and should prove valuable to San Antonio during this time of uncertainty.
In this scribe’s opinion, it would be crazy to let him go at this juncture before really seeing how he can fit in without standing in the shadow of one of the game’s legendary figures.