After a slow start of the season, LaMarcus Aldridge has been a rock for the Spurs. He adapted to the center position full-time when the team needed him to, shared touches when asked, and even carried San Antonio for a stretch when DeMar DeRozan was struggling. At age 33 he’s showed no signs of decline, putting together arguably his most well-rounded statistical season as a Spur.
A quick look beyond counting stats, however, hints at a completely different reality. On/off numbers reveal that the Spurs have been better with Aldridge on the bench. Their improvement is monumental on defense, as LA has the worst defensive rating among rotation players.