LaMarcus Aldridge has become key member of Nets' second unit

NEW ORLEANS — Every time LaMarcus Aldridge releases a shot, it looks like it’s going in. Perfection is impossible in basketball, but Aldridge’s 61.6% accuracy ranks eighth in the NBA this season, and the 13.1 points the seven-time All-Star is averaging off the bench has helped offset the Nets’ loss of Kyrie Irving.

On Wednesday night in Orlando, Aldridge scored 21 points and set the tone for a season-high 59 bench points as the Nets blew out the Magic, 123-90. Aldridge was heavily involved in runs in the second and fourth quarters that gave the Nets separation and then put the game away.

Aldridge joined the Nets as a free agent last season but retired after only five games when he experienced a scary heart arrythmia that he since has gotten under control. "True professional," Nets guard James Harden said of Aldridge. "He retired last year and had the confidence and braveness to come back and want to be a part of this.

"He looks great. He’s doing it all for us on both ends of the ball. Obviously, his shot-making ability, but defensively, his communication and his presence out there, you can tell the difference. We’re just happy to have him back."

When he signed with the Nets last season as a free agent after a buyout by the Spurs, Aldridge stepped into the starting lineup. But this season, he has zero starts and has set the tone for the second unit at both ends.

Asked about how Aldridge has embraced his transition to role player, Kevin Durant said, "He just wants to win, wants to be in a culture like this that is fighting for something bigger than yourself, sacrifice to come off the bench, sacrifice touches and shot attempts but still staying ready. He’s a true pro, a true vet . . . That is a testament to how hard he works."

Aldridge has scored in double figures seven times this season, and the Nets are 6-1 in those games. There simply is no denying the impact he has made.

"He’s won us a few games and been a big part of our success this year," Nets coach Steve Nash said. "Gives us a scoring punch off the bench, but also just a veteran who knows how to play on both ends of the floor. He’s been great and really important to us."

At 36, Aldridge has embraced his role coming off the bench, and he has become the critical figure on the second unit. "Second unit, the way we’re rotating right now is with Kevin and James both off the floor," Nash said. "So to have ‘LA’ anchor us a little bit and give us some shot-making works well for us at the moment."

As a member of the second unit, DeAndre’ Bembry admitted Aldridge has been a guiding light. "Once he sees one go in, he thinks everything is going to drop, and the last few games he’s been showing that he still looks like the ‘LA’ that we know," Bembry said. "He’s super-talented, super-confident, and I don’t know if I’ve seen someone shoot the ball as well as he’s doing."

By Greg Logan

Gregory.Logan@newsday.comGregLogan1

Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.