Premier center showers former Spurs All-Star with well-deserved love

The San Antonio Spurs are synonymous with iconic superstars like Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and George Gervin, and a handful of unsung heroes get overlooked when basketball fans discuss the all-timers that litter this storied organization. Although LaMarcus Aldridge lacks the volume of individual accolades his Hall of Fame counterparts captured during their careers, he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players to ever suit up for the Silver and Black.

Myles Turner shared a similar sentiment on social media earlier this week when he took to X to tell his massive following that Aldridge and his post-up game don't receive the praise they deserve. The two-time block champion has matched up with several prolific frontcourt scorers on his way to becoming a formidable rim protector, and everyone should listen when he showers his fellow Longhorn alumnus with respect for his extensive back-to-the-basket repertoire.

Despite falling short of a championship with the Spurs, LaMarcus added three All-Star appearances and an All-NBA Second Team nomination to his decorated resume during his five-and-a-half season stint in the 2-1-0. Perhaps his most impressive achievement came amid the Kawhi Leonard debacle, where he anchored a top-three defense and dragged the franchise to their 21st consecutive playoff berth with a supporting cast of Pau Gasol, Rudy Gay, and Patty Mills.

Aldridge shouldered immense responsibilities on both ends of the court when Kawhi left San Antonio hanging, and he continued showcasing his two-way dominance even after the blockbuster trade that landed him an All-Star sidekick in DeMar DeRozan. The 6-foot-11 forward recorded a career-high 56 points in a double overtime victory versus the Thunder in 2019, making him the first person in over a decade to score 50 points in a single game without attempting a three.

No matter how you slice it, LaMarcus Aldridge was an unstoppable force inside the arc. He could face up for an elbow jumper, back defenders down before draining his signature fadeaway, space the floor as a pick-and-pop threat, and put the rock on the deck to get to the rim. The Spurs faithful were lucky to see a certified bucket go to work under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich. Remember to thank Myles Turner for reminding us to show LMA some much-deserved love.