Spurs have reason for concern with Aldridge on eve of playoffs

By foxsports
Published

In any other season, the San Antonio Spurs would be heavy favorites to win the NBA championship. The addition of LaMarcus Aldridge to their well-oiled machine terrified every other organization when it happened last summer.

But, sadly, the Spurs deployed arguably the most impressive team of the Gregg Popovich-Tim Duncan era at the exact same time Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors won an NBA-record 73 games. 

To beat them if they reach the Western Conference Finals, the Spurs would need to thrive at the very top of their game. Tony Parker would need to move like he's five years younger, Kawhi Leonard would need to take his individual game (on both ends) to an unprecedented level, Danny Green would need to make open 3's and Popovich would need to orchestrate the perfect game plan, with rotations and lineups that match up well against Golden State's brutalizing versatility.

But more important than all those things: San Antonio can't get ahead of itself and overlook any opponents before they presumably reach Round 3. Especially if Aldridge's dislocated pinkie finger remains a concern (via the San Antonio Express-News):

“It’s OK,” Aldridge said after Spurs practice Friday. “Just trying to get used to my new tape job. I’ll be OK.” Spurs trainer Will Sevening experimented with taping Aldridge’s finger in a new way Friday in an attempt to increase the finger’s range of motion. “He did, trying to make it where I can flex it more, and just feel more comfortable out there,” Aldridge said. “I’m trying it out now.” Right before Aldridge walked over to talk to the media, he made a 28-foot jumper. He was then asked if the finger is still sore. “It is, but I’ll be OK,” Aldridge said. “It’s a lot better than it was the other day.”

Aldridge says his finger is OK, and based on his performance against Golden State two days after the initial dislocation, when he scored 24 points and went 11 of 18 from the floor, there's no reason to doubt him. 

But finger issues can be tricky, especially if he hurts it again. It's on his shooting hand, and Aldridge primarily attacks defenses with his lethal jumper. 

The Spurs likely don't need Aldridge to beat the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, but they would need him to take down the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 2, and, of course, he's a huge part of how they want to attack the Warriors. Aldridge's ability to punish Draymond Green down low is a big deal, particularly if the Spurs continue to embrace their sloth-like offensive tempo as a means to slow down Golden State's transition blitz.

Margins are slim. If Aldridge's health is compromised in any way — even down to the pinkie — the Spurs should be worried.