wesley matthews

Ending a frantic few days of courtship ¿ and perhaps cementing the Spurs as the preseason favorites to win yet another NBA title ¿ Aldridge announced Saturday that he will sign with San Antonio and align with Tim Duncan and Kawhi Leonard to form what would figure to be among the league's most-formidable frontcourts.

Dez Wells and Pat Connaughton ended their senior years in college on about the same level in the eyes of many NBA scouts. Both were considered good all-around players and the emotional leaders of their respective teams, touted more for intangibles than the skills that easily translated to the pro game. As a result, the two shooting guards were also considered marginal NBA draft picks.

LaMarcus Aldridge returned to the Trail Blazers two days after saying he was going to have thumb surgery and had 26 points and nine rebounds in a Portland's 103-96 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

It was a surprising turn of events for the former Lake Clifton star. In the weeks leading up to the draft, he'd reportedly intrigued front offices with his unique combination of length, athleticism and natural scoring instincts.