San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan Indicates Return with Plan to Pitch LaMarcus Aldridge

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Tim Duncan
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs are widely considered the frontrunners to land free agent power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. With that said, it will take some convincing for the former Portland Trail Blazer to sign with them. The good news is the Spurs may get two solid answers to necessary offseason questions when the Spurs host Aldridge on Wednesday.

According to sources, franchise superstar Tim Duncan, who is still mulling his retirement, will be one of the main people involved in pitching Aldridge when he visits. Along with point guard Tony Parker and head coach Gregg Popovich the three men will use their championship experience and above-average team chemistry as tools to persuade Aldridge in inking a deal with the team.

Even though Duncan has not officially declared he will return for a 19th season, it is quite clear him being involved in the process to influence Aldridge’s decision means he will play in 2015-16. There was never a much of a reason to doubt his return, but to get a confirmation that he will forgo retirement gives San Antonio more options this summer.

It is rather odd that the Spurs will be pitching anyone in the first place. With five titles in the last 16 years, including winning it all in 2014, San Antonio is the last team in the league that needs to convince players to play for them. At the same time, having two future Hall of Famers and Parker roll out the red carpet speaks volumes.

The Spurs understand their championship window is closing, but the addition of Aldridge could mean one more legitimate shot at a ring next season. For that reason, holding nothing back is the smart route to take.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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