It's early days and LMA is still learning the Spurs system and doesn't appear to be in good shape. It would be pretty stupid to assume that he's not going to work it out and play better as the season goes along. If he adapts to the Spurs system and improves to be a better player than he was here, he'll get recognition as a top-tier player. If he can't adapt and if things don't work out, he'll suffer some damage to his reputation. Either way, it's going to take some time and either way, he's the one who decided to step out and take the risk of changing from the comfortable environment he had here.
According to Michael C. Wright (ESPN Staff Writer) Tim Duncan said the chemistry with LaMarcus Aldridge is coming, but overall there is "still a way to go." Said they need more live game situations.
Lamarcus had 9 pts and 7 boards for him homecourt SA debut! What a WIMP! Vonleh 10/8 with 2 blocks gave us more than that tonight with fewer minutes
Cousins has similar problems that LaMarcus has, high volume/low efficiency shooter. But Cousins is a bit better on the defensive end.
He's also only 25 and has faced nothing but instability all his career. The guy has yet to be coached in the NBA with a winning culture.
Don't see what that has to do with the point that he's a chucker like LA. LaMarcus went through coaching changes as well. Cousins has had 5 full seasons sa a starter.
It means: 1. He's young and by definition malleable still malleable. it is more likely for Pop/good coach to change Cousins' ways than Aldridge at age 30. 2. He has had what, 5 (?) coaches already. Put him in a system with some stability, and his game too will stabilize. 3. Can't dismiss a young, top tier talent like him just because his game is reminiscent of Aldridge's.
DMC can also dribble and pass, as well as defend and rebound without someone doing the dirty work for him. So while his FG% may be reminiscent of LMA's, the rest of his game is leaps and bounds better.
It is obviously waaaayyyyy too early to call this a fail for the spurs, but I wonder if it even crossed LMA's mind that if this season goes bad--even if because of old age--that he could be looked at as the albatross. What if this season goes poorly and the big three decide to retire and Pops reconsiders and decides to hang it up?
The idea of a thought crossing LMA's mind conjures up an image of a tumbleweed blowing across a desert landscape.
If LMA didn't want to play in Portland, he should've picked Phoenix. He would've been the man and wouldn't have much pressure on him. SA is an awful match for his game. I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs missed the playoffs this year. They only got 6 seed last year and they're much older. Aldridge has been very clear that he wants his shots and his points, that he doesn't want to compromise his game for the sake of the team. Udoka told LMA they wanted him to get his shots. This may be a rare misstep by the Spurs.
