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Mid-Week Matchup: San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

By Max Neuhaus

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22, Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during the 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22, Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during the 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 21: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter of the game on March 21, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 100-93. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 21: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter of the game on March 21, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 100-93. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Power Forward: Taj Gibson vs. LaMarcus Aldridge

These two players are closer than you might think.

While everyone remembers LaMarcus Aldridge as the guy who was a star with the Portland Trail Blazers, he has taken a step back. While his step back might not be as big as some others, it seems like San Antonio might be ready to move on.

Throughout this offseason, there were plenty of rumblings that the Spurs were ready to deal their big man. After all was said and done, he still resides in the Lone Star State. However, there is a chance those trade talks got into his head.

When comparing Aldridge to the Wolves’ Taj Gibson, the offensive advantage goes to the Spurs big man. Even during his lull, the former Texas Longhorn has averaged 17.6 points per game in a Spurs uniform. On the other hand, Gibson has yet to average over 14 points per game during any season.

Their respective defensive win shares are pretty close through eight seasons as well, with Gibson’s number at 23.4 while Aldridge is at 21.3. Under Pop, the Spurs power forward offensive numbers might have gone down, but his defense has increased as a result.

I realize that we just ran through a bunch of numbers that show that Aldridge is clearly the superior player, but this season, Gibson will close that gap. Mark my words.

Advantage: LaMarcus Aldridge

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