Within the next few day LaMarcus Aldridge will officially sign on with the San Antonio Spurs. They first need to officially make some other smaller moves official but no worries, Alridge won’t be pulling a DeAndre Jordan and end up his mind. LaMarcus is going to San Antonio.
When Aldridge first announced he was joining the Spurs, it meant that he would have to pick a new number. The #12 jersey in San Antonio was famously worn by former top-flight wing defender Bruce Bowen, who won three rings with San Antonio during his time with the team. It has since been retired by the organization but now it appears Bowen has given his blessing to allow the newest member of the Spurs to wear number 12.
Following from Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News.
“You want LaMarcus to feel part of the family,” Bowen told the Express-News. “If I can have a hand in that, shoot, why not? I don’t play anymore.”
Not long after Aldridge agreed to a four-year deal worth more than $80 million to join the Spurs last week, general manager R.C. Buford phoned Bowen to ask about bequeathing the number to the team’s new prize.
The 44-year-old Bowen, who last played in 2009, agreed immediately.
“I hope it helps (Aldridge) feel comfortable,” Bowen said. “If he’s comfortable, the sky’s the limit for him here. It’s one less thing he has to worry about.”
Now if Aldridge goes on to win multiple titles with the Spurs, will his number 12 jersey be retired also? That question will be faced over time. It’s great news for Aldridge to be allowed to wear his old jersey because usually a players jersey number means something to them.
This is a great move by Bowen and like said, if it helps him feel comfortable, then why not. It will only help LaMarcus transition to a new team.
