LaMarcus Aldridge, a name synonymous with underappreciation and misfortune, has often been considered one of the unluckiest NBA superstars of his generation. Throughout his career, Aldridge has never really found the right mix of opportunities to truly shine, leaving many to wonder what could have been if circumstances had been different.
However, for the second time in his career, LaMarcus Aldridge retired, as an underappreciated NBA superstar, with a complicated legacy defined by perseverance, unfulfilled potential, and enduring adversity.
Why is LaMarcus Aldridge’s career so underappreciated?
For a brief moment in 2015, Aldridge was the center of the NBA universe during free agency. Despite his impressive record, he always seemed to crave validation and the opportunity to compete for championships on his own terms. However, in his 16 NBA seasons, he never truly got the chance to lead a team to victory or become the face of a franchise. Instead, Aldridge was often overshadowed by other players or suffered from poor luck.
From the very start of his career, Aldridge faced setbacks. The Toronto Raptors chose Andrea Bargnani over him in the 2006 NBA Draft, robbing him of a potential partnership with Chris Bosh. Then, the Chicago Bulls drafted him at No. 2, only to trade him to Portland. Throughout his career, injuries to key players such as Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, and Kawhi Leonard impacted his chances of winning a championship.
LaMarcus Aldridge’s career is a curious study of compromise and unfulfilled potential. While he consistently performed at an All-Star level, he never managed to achieve the championship glory that would have cemented his place among the greats. His career is marked by a series of what-ifs, and his legacy remains somewhat complicated as a result.
Despite the setbacks, Aldridge’s career still boasts a number of impressive accomplishments. He consistently flirted with the “20 and 10” status symbol for big men and was a constant presence in the league. However, his achievements have often been overshadowed by the lack of a championship win and the difficulty in defining his career arc.
