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Brooklyn Nets: LaMarcus Aldridge addition could be key to beating Lakers

ByAaron Notis|
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for a layup against LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game at Staples Center on February 4, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for a layup against LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game at Staples Center on February 4, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The Brooklyn Nets and general manager Sean Marks were quiet on March 25 as Adrian Wojarowski flooded Twitter with trades from around the NBA.

While some teams in the East (like the Orlando Magic) blew it up, others (like the Boston Celtics) re-tooled to fix their current issues. Most in the East thought the Nets’ collection of All-Stars was over after the signing of former first overall pick Blake Griffin. Now, the Nets have added LaMarcus Aldridge, which gives head coach Steve Nash a lot more flexibility with his lineups.

Aldridge was disgruntled after backing up Jakob Poeltl for the San Antonio Spurs. During his career, he has been an elite big man with the ability to face-up, back down the defender, or spread the floor on occasion. He’s averaging 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Ringless at 35, Aldridge hopes to bring home a title to further bolster his case for the Hall of Fame.

Though Aldridge’s best days are way behind him, he could be an X-factor for the Nets once the playoffs arrive.

Aldridge’s ability to spread the floor makes it possible for Kevin Durant to play on the wing. This team is blessed with an endless amount of bigs. From defensive stalwart DeAndre Jordan to the versatile Jeff Green to athletic veteran Blake Griffin, and the young jack-of-all-trades Nic Claxton, the Nets lineup looks large and powerful.

Aside from Jordan and Claxton, you can line any of these bigs up next to each other and create an unstoppable offense and a potent defense. Though Claxton’s 3-point shot is coming along, it’s not consistent enough to make him the power forward alongside Jordan.

This ability to go big helps the Nets match up well with the Los Angeles Lakers, who they could very well meet in the NBA Finals. The Lakers love to play Anthony Davis at power forward and Marc Gasol or Montrezl Harrell at center, giving them a big lineup in a league where teams are continuously going small.

After the James Harden trade, the lone healthy big on the Nets roster was Jordan. Now, the Nets have a plethora of frontcourt options to line up against the Lakers. Any combination brings diversity that the Lakers’ trio won’t be able to consistently stop.

Aldridge and Griffin spread the floor and face-up, beating defenders with their jumpers instead of trying to drive or back down. Replace one of them with Claxton, and then AD can’t drive. Replace Aldridge with Green, and he can shoot and bring some light athleticism. With all of those options, the Nets have the luxury of experimenting with different looks to see what’s most effective and productive.

With KD possibly joining the wings in the rotation, Bruce Brown, Tyler Johnson, and TLC will be fighting for minutes alongside Harden and Kyrie. Like every game this season, Nash will probably determine playing time based on the matchups. Maybe Brown qualifies as a big? Maybe Johnson is the backup point guard? The remaining regular season games will provide practice for Nash’s postseason rotation.

No, this is not a superteam. This is not the LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers or the Blake Griffin of the Lob City Clippers. However, that doesn’t mean these players don’t provide value to a championship-caliber roster. As the Nets move into the final quarter of the season, they will incorporate their newly-acquired vets into the rotation before the playoffs, giving them a chance to show the NBA’s best what they’re capable of on the big stage.

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