Hall of Fame is officially running out of excuses to exclude this former Spurs star

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced its latest inductees, and although no prominent former San Antonio Spurs were included this year, there is a strong possibility next year.

Former Spur LaMarcus Aldridge spent six seasons in San Antonio, and while his run had its highs and lows, he is certainly deserving of making the Hall of Fame. Especially after racking up more than 20,000 points, 8,500 rebounds, and 1,000 blocks.

Aldridge was a two-time All-Star with the Spurs and made the All-NBA second team during his run with the team. He was also the team's second-best player on back-to-back 60-win teams and had one of the best individual seasons in team history in 2017-18, which was arguably his overall best season.

He averaged 23.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while dragging a frankly mediocre team to the playoffs. If Amar'e Stoudimire is worthy of the Hall of Fame, then Aldridge should definitely get in.

Should LaMarcus Aldridge's jersey be retired by the Spurs?

If Aldridge does indeed make the basketball Hall of Fame, it makes the discussion surrounding a jersey retirement by the team more intriguing. Generally speaking, most Spurs fans are protective of who has their jerseys hung in the rafters.

For instance, despite all his accomplishments, Kawhi Leonard scorched the earth to force his way out of San Antonio. As a result, he is almost certainly never going to get his jersey retired.

Meanwhile, players just like Danny Green and Patty Mills, who spent nine and 10 seasons in San Antonio, respectively, have a greater chance to have their jerseys retired than Leonard. But what about Aldridge?

What is LaMarcus Aldridge's legacy with the Spurs

He's admittedly an unusual case. Some Spurs fans view his tenure with the team as a bit of a disappointment. Sure, with Aldridge, San Antonio won a franchise record 67 games in 2015-16 and 61 games in 2016-17.

However, he never meshed with Leonard. To his credit, he wasn't utilized well, which led to him demanding a trade in 2018. Instead of being moved, he carried the team when Leonard missed all but nine games in 2017-18.

Not only did he have a strong season, but he also had the third highest-scoring game in team history with 56 points. That's better than Tim Duncan and Tony Parker's best scoring game in a Spurs uniform.

He also averaged 19.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 376 games with the team. That's a better Spurs career than 99% of players that have ever suited up in the Silver and Black.

All told, Aldridge certainly should make the basketball Hall of Fame, with his career with the Spurs being a major part of his resume. Therefore, he should not only be a Hall of Famer but also have his jersey retired by San Antonio.