LaMarcus Aldridge Will Not Make Nets Debut on Monday

The Nets are taking on the Timberwolves on Monday, but they will not have their newest addition available to make his debut. Aldridge recently agreed to a buy-out from the Spurs, which allowed him to sign with any team he desired. The Heat emerged as the early favorites, but Aldridge ultimately decided to sign in Brooklyn. That was the same decision that Blake Griffin made earlier this month after he agreed to a buy-out with the Pistons.

When Aldridge is cleared to play, he is expected to compete for minutes at power forward with Griffin and Jeff Green. He also has the size to play at center, so he should siphon a few minutes away from DeAndre Jordan and Nicolas Claxton as well.

That said, it remains to be seen just how effective Aldridge will be in those minutes. The Spurs were markedly worse with Aldridge on the court this season, decreasing their Net Rating by -7.3 points per 100 possessions over 544 minutes. He’s clearly past his prime, so it’s possible that this signing will mean very little for the Nets in the long run.

Still, they’re currently listed as 10.5-point favorites vs. the Timberwolves on FanDuel Sportsbook, and they’re also the favorites to win the NBA title at +260.