LaMarcus Aldridge Injury: Updates on Spurs Star's Ankle and Return

Scott PolacekNov 21, 2015

San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been out of action since Nov. 21 because of a left ankle sprain. However, he has been cleared to return to the court.

Continue for updates.

Aldrige Active vs. Mavericks

Wednesday, Nov. 25

Head coach Gregg Popovich told reporters Aldridge would return tonight.

Aldridge Comments on Injury

Saturday, Nov. 21

"I took the shot. I went to take a step backward, and then I stepped on Alonzo Gee's foot, and it went out to the side," Aldridge said on Nov. 20, per Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com. "I tried to play through it. I was a little bit of a liability on the defensive side. I couldn't move laterally, but I tried to get there tonight."

How Aldridge's Return Impacts Spurs

Even with their depth, Aldridge's injury was a devastating blow for the Spurs, and his return will have a major impact on the lineup.

He is one of the best power forwards in the league and the crown jewel of San Antonio’s free-agent acquisitions this offseason. He averaged a career-high 23.4 points last season to go along with 10.2 rebounds and one block per night. He led the Portland Trail Blazers to the postseason, where they lost to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Aldridge averaged more than 21 points per game in each of the last five seasons and is a four-time All-Star who earned All-NBA recognition three times (second team once and third team twice). He boasts a solid post game, a formidable mid-range jumper and pick-and-pop abilities to go with a strong rebounding presence.

Tim Duncan is one of the greatest players of all time and still brings machine-like consistency to the table every season. Aldridge's presence takes some of the pressure off Duncan to play extensive minutes.

San Antonio’s depth is one reason it is on the short list of NBA title contenders in 2015-16, but it still needs Aldridge as an overpowering offensive threat to compete in the daunting Western Conference.