Breaking down the Nets’ potential replacements for LaMarcus Aldridge
The basketball world was stunned on Thursday afternoon as 15-year veteran LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement from the NBA due to health concerns. Aldridge revealed that in what will be his final game, he was dealing with an irregular heartbeat, and decided to prioritize his health over basketball. NBA players and fans showed support for the seven-time All-Star on social media following the announcement.
Aldridge will now be placed on waivers upon retiring, which will open up a roster spot for the Brooklyn Nets. Replacing someone with his caliber is almost impossible, but the Nets can add a valuable role player with the free agents that are still available.
What they need right is somebody that can annoy Joel Embiid in the playoffs and somebody that can roll to the basket with ease. If they can shoot, that is a bonus. Here are some potential replacements:
Thon Maker
Mike DeSisti / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Thon Maker is a player Brooklyn should take a look at. He is 7'0" feet tall with a 7'3" wingspan. Maker is also 220 pounds who is only 24-years-old. Thon Maker can most definitely bother Embiid on the defensive end and he can also space the floor. His career high from three is 38%. Earlier this season when he played for the Cavaliers, he shot 91% from the free throw line, something that many big men struggle with.
Tyson Chandler
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Tyson Chandler, former Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, has not officially announced a retirement from the game. Although he is 38-years-old, he showed last year that he can still be useful at 7'0" feet tall and 240 pounds. Chandler can also still catch lobs, which would work out great alongside James Harden. There's no doubt that Chandler can pressure Embiid in limited minutes.
Ian Mahinmi
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Ian Mahinmi is one of the best interior defenders available in the free agent market. He was last seen on the NBA scene in 2020 playing for the Washington Wizards, where he averaged 7.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 1.2 BPG. Mahinmi also was developing his three ball at that time, shooting it at a 20% clip, which is not really impressive, but it's something. The former Wizard now plays professionally in France and is open to making an NBA return whenever he gets the call up.
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