Boston Celtics: Is LaMarcus Aldridge an option for the Cs?

On Wednesday night, it was reported that NBA veteran LaMarcus Aldridge has agreed to look for other opportunities, ending his stint in San Antonio. Should the Boston Celtics pick up the phone?

Aldridge turns 36 in July and has spent the last six seasons of his career with the Spurs. His best years were in Portland, where he averaged 23.4 points per game in the 2014-15 season. Since playing under coach Gregg Popovich, his game has evolved to fit modern times, shooting more threes than ever over the past two years.

Although he doesn’t move as well as he used to, he can still help a championship-contending team by stretching the floor on offense and guarding opposing centers on the defensive end. He has a big enough frame to not get killed in the post, but he would likely get played off the floor if he has to guard on the perimeter.

Should the Boston Celtics go after LaMarcus Aldridge?

In 21 games this season, Aldridge has averaged 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 50.9% shooting from the field and 36% from deep. These numbers are obviously down from his prime years, but he can still be an effective role player in certain situations.

For San Antonio, it doesn’t make sense to hold onto the aging Aldridge, as they aren’t looking to compete for a championship in the near future. This is why they are exploring all trade possibilities for him in the next two weeks. If they cannot get a deal done, he will be bought out and picked up by a contending team.

For the Boston Celtics, it might be enticing to add a veteran to a younger roster looking to make a run in the playoffs. As a low-risk high reward buyout option, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at the former All-Star.

The Boston core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kemba Walker all operate better with more space on the floor, and that’s what Aldridge provides in this stage of his career. Additionally, he can still hit the mid-range shot, something he was known for in his earlier years.

On defense is where he has seen his biggest decline. Averaging under five rebounds a game in the first 20 games this season, he isn’t the same player on the glass that he once was. Standing at 6’11”, he can still act as a reasonable rim protector, but don’t expect him to make recovery plays in space.

Aldridge would join a Boston Celtics roster that’s already filled with big men. Between Tristan Thompson, Daniel Theis, and Robert Williams, it would be difficult to find minutes barring injury. At this stage of their careers, it would be tough to give Aldridge minutes over the younger Williams, especially after he has been playing so well in recent weeks.

If he were to take any minutes on the roster, it would be between Theis and Thompson, who often play together. Coach Brad Stevens could even experiment with Thompson-Aldrige lineups, with LaMarcus stretching the floor and guarding the rim, while Tristan grabs rebounds and switches onto faster opposition.

Considering the situation, don’t be shocked if GM Danny Ainge makes a run at LaMarcus Aldridge in the buyout market. However, considering the big man rotation the Boston Celtics are already fielding, it would be difficult for him to find playing time, which is something that the veteran wants.

Would you like to see LA in Celtic green?