The San Antonio Spurs’ big man LaMarcus Aldridge will miss the remainder of the 2019 – 2020 NBA season due to the recently performed surgery on his shoulder. On Friday, April 24th, 2020 Aldridge underwent an arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff debridement on his right shoulder by Dr. Daniel Cooper in Dallas, Texas. LaMarcus is expected to be able to return to full basketball activities by the start of training camp for the 2020 – 2021 NBA season.

The Origin of the Injury

Aldridge suffered the injury to his right shoulder on Friday, February 21st, 2020 during a game against the Utah Jazz. Following his performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 LaMarcus was forced to sit out the next six games. He was able to return for a huge 24 point production leading the San Antonio Spurs to a win against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020, but the NBA suspended all basketball activities the following day due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Rest of the 2019 – 2020 NBA Season

According to the NBA’s approved 22 team return to play format the San Antonio Spurs will be involved in the resumption of the 2019 – 2020 NBA season, but the Spurs chances of making the playoffs now without Aldridge are slim. The San Antonio Spurs are currently in the 12th spot in the Western Conference of the NBA. Even with the potential benefit of a play in tournament for the final eight spots in each conference, there are very little chances of the San Antonio Spurs making the postseason without their best basketball player in Aldridge on the court. LaMarcus averaged 18.9 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 33.1 minutes per game this season.

The center and forward for the San Antonio Spurs, Aldridge, had this to say, “Disappointed I won’t get to finish with by teammates, but excited that I’ll be fully ready to go next season and beyond.”

NBA Career Accomplishments, Awards, and Honors

Aldridge was selected to the NBA’s All Star team 7 times including this season (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019). He was named to the All NBA Second Team twice (2015, 2018), and the All NBA Third team 3 times (2011, 2014, 2016). LaMarcus was also placed on the NBA’s All Rookie First Team in 2007 as well.