Rumors of Spurs power forward LaMarcus Aldridge being unhappy in San Antonio have been flying about for the past few days, as have rumors that the Spurs are shopping the five-time All-Star. These rumors are false, though, claims Aldridge. Aldridge addressed the rumors on the Jim Rome show (transcribed by Tanner Bowen of Pounding the Rock):
“I didn’t buy into it. I haven’t heard anything about it. I talked to Pop (head coach Gregg Popovich) daily and he’s always telling me that I’m doing great,” Aldridge said. “Trying to be a more of a leader. He’s put me in positions where I can be more of a leader. As long as the guys here aren’t saying bad things to me. All my teammates have said nothing but great things to me.”
Aldridge says that he’s happy being a Spur:
“Yeah for sure I am (happy in San Antonio). We made history last year. They’ve incorporated me into the family. Try to make me one of the big pieces.”
“I’m winning. Of course I’m happy. That’s why I don’t buy into the rumors. I feel like I do my job here and I feel like I’ve done everything that they’ve asked.”
Aldridge is correct that the Spurs made history last season. Their 67 win total on the year was easily a franchise high (former high was 63 wins in 2003-04). Now obviously athletes don’t go around telling the media about their unhappiness, but this doesn’t sound like the forced, false sincerity of an unhappy player in a bad situation. Aldridge sounds legitimately content. I could be wrong, of course. My gut feeling is that he’s just fine, though.