LaMarcus Aldridge on joining Spurs: 'It's like being a rookie all over again'

All LaMarcus Aldridge has known since being drafted second overall in 2006 is Rip City, the Portland Trail Blazers organization, and the Moda Center.

Now a member of the San Antonio Spurs after signing a reported four-year, $80-million contract with the franchise, Aldridge is viewing his new experience as if he were just entering the league, as onerous as that may be.

"I don't know where to go, I don't know where anything is," Aldridge said Saturday, according to the San Antonio Express-News' Jeff McDonald. "It's like being a rookie all over again."

"I don't like change. That's been a little bit difficult for me, trying to get used to a new city. I got lost like twice yesterday. That's not fun.

"In the end, it should be great for me. Right now, it's been tough because everything is so new."

It was a hectic offseason for the four-time All-Star, who had several suitors vying for his services, including the Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Aldridge described the chaos that ensued this summer as leaving him "mentally drained," which is reasonable considering he was one of the most highly sought-after free agents on the open market.

Joining a roster full of self-effacing talent should at least make Aldridge's transition on the hardwood a lot smoother, which he realized after watching game footage of the Spurs during his downtime in recent months.

"I see a lot of easy shots," Aldridge said. "Pop's really good at misdirection, and the team is so unselfish that the ball moves around."

The former Texas Longhorn has been a model of consistency during his nine-year run, averaging 19.4 points and 8.4 rebounds on 48.5 percent shooting. The 6-foot-11 power forward earned a spot on the All-NBA Second team last season after averaging a double-double of 23.4 points and 10.2 boards, leading Portland to its first Northwest Division title since 1998-99.