LaMarcus Aldridge has had an excellent career, but adjusting to life as a role player for the Brooklyn Nets in the twilight of his career has proven difficult for the veteran.
When speaking with Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Aldridge discussed how he’s adjusting thus far to an unfamiliar role late in his career.
“It’s’ very difficult. You’ve’ been one type of player or a certain type of player your whole career. It’s’ definitely different coming off the bench and not playing much,” Aldridge said. “So it’s’ been difficult… I’m’ still trying to figure it out and navigate it and find my spots. And I’m’ just trying to find my ways to try and help out.”
When checking out his numbers, you’d be surprised that Aldridge is struggling to adjust. Coming off the bench in all 17 of the games he’s played this season, Aldridge is averaging 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
It wasn’t even a certainty that Aldridge would be playing this season; he retired early last year after feeling the effects of an irregular heartbeat. The issue is a symptom of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a disease that can cause a rapid heartbeat that Aldridge was diagnosed with during his rookie season.
Per Sham Charania of The Athletic, the seven-time All-Star received medical clearance to return to play in September, and the Nets would eventually bring him back to the fold.
Partly due to Aldridge’s efforts, the Nets are sitting atop the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-5, one game ahead of both the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.
Aldridge has had a career to remember, playing in 15 seasons and being named to seven All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams, and playing in over 1,000 career games.
