No. 2. – LaMarcus Aldridge, Brooklyn Nets

We talked about the Nets signing Blake Griffin, but they also somehow convinced LaMarcus Aldridge to join their “All-Star team.” Now, the Nets have a combined 41 All-Star appearances on their roster and while he is in the final years of his career, Aldridge can still be a difference-maker like Blake Griffin. 

Before reaching a buyout agreement with the Spurs, Aldridge was averaging 13.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and shooting 46.4% from the floor, 36.0% from three-point range. The veteran forward has always been known for being able to knock down shots from anywhere on the court and with the Nets having Harden, Irving and Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge will have plenty of opportunities to knock down wide open shots in this Nets’ spread offense. 

The biggest impact Aldridge will have on the Nets and one of the main reasons why his signing as the second-best buyout signing this season is because he will draw attention away from the likes of the Nets “Big 3.” 

Aldridge is one of the most lethal mid-range players in the history of the NBA and he has proven this year with the Spurs that he can still knock down shots at a high-level, which is going to force teams to stray away from double-teaming Harden and Durant. 

Both players thrive in one-on-one, isolation-type situations and if teams do not double them, they will be able to get to their spots and get the shots they want. If they do get doubled, then guess what, LaMarcus Aldridge, one of the best mid-range players in NBA history, is going to be wide open for an open shot. 

It is basically “pick your poison” now when you play the Nets because they are going to knock down shots and score a ton of points, it is just a matter of if you can keep up with them and try to outscore them. 

Not many teams in the league have the firepower and capability to keep up with the Brooklyn Nets, especially after signing both Aldridge and Griffin, which is why they are one of the favorites to win the championship this year.