There’s been a bit of noise coming out the past few days in regards to LaMarcus Aldridge, with rumors claiming he is possibly unhappy in San Antonio. It’s been making the rounds around the web, and it’s led to all kinds of speculation about what’s about to happen. Various Spurs beat writers have shot it down over the previous days and so have the Spurs themselves.
Today, Aldridge made an appearance on The Jim Rome Show and he addressed the rumors. When asked if he believed them, LaMarcus had this to say:
"I didn't buy into it. I haven't heard anything about it. I talked to Pop (head coach Gregg Popovich) daily and he's always telling me that I'm doing great," Aldridge said. "Trying to be a more of a leader. He's put me in positions where I can be more of a leader. As long as the guys here aren't saying bad things to me. All my teammates have said nothing but great things to me."
It seems as though LaMarcus has a great rapport with his head coach and has the respect of his teammates. With Tim Duncan retired and the team in need of leadership, LaMarcus looks to be embracing the leadership role. This all points to him being happy, but is he?
"Yeah for sure I am (happy in San Antonio). We made history last year. They've incorporated me into the family. Try to make me one of the big pieces."
"I'm winning. Of course I'm happy. That's why I don't buy into the rumors. I feel like I do my job here and I feel like I've done everything that they've asked.”
From his mouth, he seems to be happy about the way the situation has played out. He mentions the team making an effort to make him a part of the family unit that exists in the Alamo City. LaMarcus hasn’t bought into any of the rumors that have been going around the past few days about his trade status and the situation with the team.
If Aldridge is being sincere with these comments (and it seems that way), then this bodes very well for the Spurs. Aldridge is still a top player in the league and though he started slowly last year, he finished the year strong, averaging 18 PPG and 8.5 RPG on 51% shooting from the floor and having two monster games against the OKC Thunder in the playoffs before a nasty fall during one of those playoff games.
These comments from Aldridge himself will do much to clear the smoke from these recent rumors and he seems to be happy and ready for this upcoming season. Let’s hope he was being completely genuine, and that this kind of thing doesn’t get brought up again.