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Despite Being Under Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden’s Shadow, 7X NBA All-Star Claims to Have “Loved” His Heavily Scrutinized Tenure

Published 09/13/2023, 9:10 PM EDT

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via Imago

The Big 3 era of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden in Brooklyn did not pan out the way Nets fans would have wanted. In the hopes of winning their first NBA championship, the Brooklyn Nets formed one of the most lethal offensive trios in the NBA. Although the team looked like they would win multiple championships on paper, no one expected the drama that would follow. Three years after forming the Big 3, none of those superstars are now part of the Brooklyn Nets.

Apart from the Big 3, the Nets also acquired a 7-time All-Star in 2021, whose signing went under the radar because of the hype around Kyrie, KD, and Harden. The Portland Trail Blazers legend claims that he loved his tenure in Brooklyn despite the drama surrounding the Big 3.

Portland Trail Blazers legend on playing alongside Kyrie, KD, and Harden

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In March of 2021, the Brooklyn Nets signed Power Forward LaMarcus Aldridge to add some much-needed size to the team. The 7-time All-star finished his NBA career with the Brooklyn Nets after playing 2 seasons there. In the latest episode of Oddball with Amin Elhassan and Charlotte Wilder, the Blazers legend opened up about sharing the court with the Big 3 in Brooklyn. Aldridge described his time in one statement, “It was easy.” Playing with three superstars at the same time made the game very easy for the Big Man as the defenders primarily focused on the Big 3.

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Aldridge remembered an instance when he did a pin down for the Slim Reaper, and both defenders went over to KD, leaving the 7-footer wide open for a dunk. Aldridge remembers thinking to himself, “This is stupid how easy this was.” Being the primary scorer in his previous teams, Aldridge had to carry the load for the entire team. So, the situation in Brooklyn was a very easy adjustment for him, “It was more about Kyrie, KD, and James.”

LaMarcus Aldridge had a storied NBA career

Aldridge did not have a big role in the Nets squad because of the presence of Uncle Drew, Durantula, and The Beard. But the 7-footer was a force to be reckoned with during his days in Portland and San Antonio. Aldridge was a legend in Portland because of his clutch performances during the 9 years he played there. He was also a star for the San Antonio Spurs after the Big 3 era of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker.

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USA Today via Reuters

LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement this March for the second time in his career. He first announced his retirement in 2021, facing a heart condition. But later returned to action in a few months. Even though he was unable to win a championship with the Big 3 in Brooklyn, he will cherish his time there because they were the final team of his legendary NBA career.

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Written by:

Rohan Bhaunt

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Rohan is an NBA Content Writer at EssentiallySports. He is a state-level basketball player and has been a fan of the NBA for over a decade. This allows him to deep dive into the sport and provide a fresh outlook.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe