Looking back at LaMarcus Aldridge’s All Star weekend

LaMarcus Aldridge continued a Spurs’ tradition last night that stretches back to the 1970s.

George “The Iceman” Gervin was selected to participate in what would be the first of 9 straight appearances (with one All Star Game MVP in 1980) at the 1977 NBA All Star Game in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 42 years ago. Since that time, the Spurs have sent at least one All Star to the league’s Sunday showcase every single year, save for 1988-1989 (the year they won the draft lottery that got them David Robinson, a 10x All Star), 1996-1997 (the year they won the draft lottery for Tim Duncan, who would eventually win the game’s MVP in 2000 and holds the franchise record with 15 appearances), and 1998-1999 (the year the game was cancelled because of the lock-out). Going back to the 1997-1998 season, the Spurs have sent someone to the All Star Game an NBA-leading 21 consecutive times.

While we all know about Gervin, Duncan, Robinson, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard, and LaMarcus Aldridge, there has been a few lesser known players to make the showcase as well. These include:

• Larry, “Special K,” Kenon — Forward, 2 appearances, averaged at least 20 PPG in 4 seasons playing alongside Ice.
• Artis Gilmore — Center, 2 appearances with San Antonio, #1 overall pick in the 1976 ABA dispersal draft, Hall of Fame Class of 2011.
• Alvin Robertson — Shooting Guard, 3 appearances with San Antonio, 1986 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player.
• Sean Elliott — Forward, 2 appearances with San Antonio, 1999 NBA Champion, current Spurs’ TV Analyst, “Memorial Day Miracle.”

It’s stuff like this that makes it hard to imagine an NBA without the San Antonio Spurs.

Last night, LaMarcus Aldridge made his 3rd All Star appearance with San Antonio and his 7th overall. He was pretty candid in media availability as well, doing a near-30 minute session where he discussed everything from staying relevant in today’s NBA, to his defensive prowess, and how it has gone overlooked for much of his career. For the 68th All Star Game showcase, LaMarcus, in his own words, kept it real chill in 10 minutes of action for Team LeBron win:

“I made the first one, and then after that I was just chilling, trying to find shooters, rebounding, just moving the ball out there,”

He finished with just 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and a +11 in his 10 minutes of action, but there were some really cool moments, such as this pic of him with NBA legend and lord of the (11) rings, Boston Celtic great Bill Russell:

Here he is knocking in his first (and only make) of the night, a classic mid-range J:

Pre-game, the cameras picked up a conversation between Aldridge, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George:

Maybe they didn’t want to see him go for 56 points against them again?

For the occasion, Aldridge rocked a pair of the latest Air Jordan model, the 33, in a colorway that is fairly new for the masses and definitely NOT Spursy at all. Released on January 15th, the University Red colorway retails for $175 and can be found on Nike’s website for those who are interested in wearing LaMarcus’ All Star kicks.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With the All Star Break coming to a close, the Spurs are back in action on Friday night. They’ll be continuing the 2019 Rodeo Road Trip with a date against former Spur Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors in Canada, a game that will hold much significance to former Raptor and 4x All Star DeMar DeRozan.

With just 23 games remaining, every win counts!

Source: Pounding The Rock