Texas Basketball in the NBA: How are former Longhorns doing in 2018-19?
By Shane Black
![ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 12: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic is defended by LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during a pre-season game at Amway Center on October 12, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 12: Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic is defended by LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during a pre-season game at Amway Center on October 12, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/36a1ae079ae7c9248110bfa376817107e53dbbde90525dfa24a2bebd0ab684f3.jpg)
Kevin Durant and LaMarcus Aldridge
Kevin Durant, SF, Golden State Warriors
25 G, 25 GS (35.8 MPG): 30.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 6.2 APG. .518/.327/.931
The nine-time all-star is once again having a phenomenal season for the Golden State Warriors. With Steph Curry missing a good chunk of the early season, Durant has had the full reigns of the offense. He has been one of the most efficient scorers from the mid-range this season, but has struggled from deep.
Durant’s 6.2 assists per game is currently his highest ever in his 12-year career. There is not much else to say about this guy. He is indisputably one of the top three players in the world and may currently be the best. That continued since his time with the Texas basketball program was over.
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, San Antonio Spurs
23 G, 23 GS (34.3 MPG): 18.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.4 APG. .444/.000/.837
Aldridge is putting up yet another consistent season in his fourth season in Gregg Popovich’s system. The 13-year veteran has rebounded out of his mind this year, averaging 3.7 offensive boards a game, the most of his career.
Aldridge has been excellent on the defensive block but struggles when he gets pulled out in the pick-and-roll. On the offense end he has not been as efficient as seasons past, and has attempted just .4 three-pointers per game, three-times less than last season.
Aldridge and new teammate DeMar DeRozan have had some growing pains on the court. But, Aldridge and the Spurs are poised to make a run at the Western Conference playoffs.