Hubbry Logo
Cole AldrichCole AldrichMain
Open search
Cole Aldrich
Community hub
Cole Aldrich
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Cole Aldrich
Cole Aldrich
Cole Aldrich
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Cole David Aldrich (born October 31, 1988) is an American former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Aldrich played three seasons of college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks before being drafted by the New Orleans Hornets with the 11th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Aldrich was born on October 31, 1988, in Burnsville, Minnesota.[1] His father was a steel metal worker and his mother worked in an embroidery.[2] Aldrich attended Bloomington Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minnesota.[3] As a senior, he was named state player of the year by the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minneapolis Star-Tribune.[4]

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Aldrich was listed as the No. 6 center and the No. 30 player in the nation in 2007.[5]

College career

[edit]

Freshman season

[edit]
Cole Aldrich against Iowa State on January 24, 2009

During the 2007–08 season at Kansas, Aldrich's freshman season, his playing time was limited due to playing behind future NBA draft picks Darrell Arthur, Sasha Kaun, and Darnell Jackson. He averaged three rebounds and 2.8 points a game in 8.3 minutes a game during the regular season. Statistically, Aldrich's best performance was an 11-point, 11-rebound outing in a win over Texas Tech on March 3, 2008.[6] Probably the most crucial game for Aldrich was during the Final Four game between Kansas and North Carolina on April 5, 2008, when he played only 16 minutes but managed to grab 8 rebounds and score 7 points along with blocking 4 shots while also playing effective defense against National Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, helping lead Kansas into the NCAA national championship game. They then defeated the Memphis Tigers to win their first Championship since 1988.[7]

Sophomore season

[edit]

With the departure of the other Jayhawk big men to the NBA draft, Aldrich became the premier big man going into his sophomore season. Through the first 29 games, he averaged a double-double with 15.1 points and 10.8 rebounds in 29.7 minutes of play. He grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds in an 87–78 win over Oklahoma on February 23, 2009,.[8] On March 8, 2009, Aldrich was named to the 2008–09 Big 12 All-conference first team.[9]

On March 22, 2009, Aldrich recorded the first official triple-double in the history of Kansas basketball against Dayton in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Aldrich accumulated 13 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 blocks in a 60–43 victory, which was the second triple-double in NCAA history to include blocks, former LSU center Shaquille O'Neal recorded the other.[10] On Monday, April 13, Aldrich announced that he would return to KU for his junior season.

Junior season

[edit]

He won the 2009–10 men's college basketball Academic All-American of the Year as selected by CoSIDA and presented by ESPN the Magazine.[11] He ended his college career a perfect 55–0 at Allen Fieldhouse.

Professional career

[edit]

Oklahoma City Thunder (2010–2012)

[edit]

On March 29, 2010, Aldrich announced that he would forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2010 NBA draft. He was the 11th pick, selected by the New Orleans Hornets, who traded his rights on draft day to the Oklahoma City Thunder. On August 6, 2010, Aldrich signed a two-year contract with the Thunder with a two-year option.[12]

On November 24, 2010, the Thunder assigned Aldrich to the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA D-League.[13] He was recalled on December 6, 2010,[14] but sent back to Tulsa on December 30, 2010.[15] He was again recalled on February 2, 2011, and assigned for a third time on March 30, 2011.[16] Aldrich reached the 2012 NBA Finals with the Thunder, but the team lost to the Miami Heat.

Houston Rockets (2012–2013)

[edit]

In October 2012, Aldrich, James Harden, Daequan Cook, and Lazar Hayward were traded to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and draft picks.[17]

Sacramento Kings (2013)

[edit]

On February 20, 2013, Aldrich was traded to the Sacramento Kings along with Toney Douglas and Patrick Patterson in exchange for Francisco García, Thomas Robinson and Tyler Honeycutt.[18]

New York Knicks (2013–2015)

[edit]

On September 24, 2013, Aldrich signed with the New York Knicks.[19] On January 29, 2014, he was assigned to the Erie BayHawks.[20] He was recalled the next day. He went on to record his first double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) in his first NBA start on March 12, 2014.[21]

On July 11, 2014, Aldrich re-signed with the Knicks.[22] On April 11, 2015, he scored a career-high 19 points in an 80–79 win over the Orlando Magic.[23]

Los Angeles Clippers (2015–2016)

[edit]

On July 13, 2015, Aldrich signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.[24] On January 13, 2016, with starting center DeAndre Jordan out, Aldrich had a then season-best game with 19 points and 7 rebounds in a 104–90 win over the Miami Heat.[25] On April 8, 2016, he recorded 21 points and 18 rebounds (both season highs) and a career-high five steals in a 102–99 overtime win over the Utah Jazz.[26]

Minnesota Timberwolves (2016–2018)

[edit]

On July 13, 2016, Aldrich signed a three-year, $22 million deal with his hometown team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.[27][28]

On June 30, 2018, Aldrich was waived by the Timberwolves.[29]

On September 18, 2018, Aldrich signed with the Atlanta Hawks[30] but was waived by the Hawks on October 2, 2018, as their first training camp cut.[31]

Tianjin Golden Lions (2018)

[edit]

On October 10, 2018, Aldrich signed with the Tianjin Golden Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.[32] He sprained his knee while playing and returned home.[33]

Aldrich planned to have a year-long break from basketball but made the decision to retire after his son was born and the COVID-19 pandemic occurred.[33]

NBA career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2010–11 Oklahoma City 18 0 7.9 .533 – .500 1.9 .2 .3 .4 1.0
2011–12 Oklahoma City 26 0 6.7 .524 – .929 1.8 .1 .3 .6 2.2
2012–13 Houston 30 0 7.1 .535 – .444 1.9 .2 .1 .3 1.7
2012–13 Sacramento 15 0 11.7 .568 – .727 4.2 .2 .1 .9 3.3
2013–14 New York 46 2 7.2 .541 – .867 2.8 .3 .2 .7 2.0
2014–15 New York 61 16 16.0 .478 – .781 5.5 1.2 .6 1.1 5.5
2015–16 L.A. Clippers 60 5 13.3 .596 – .714 4.8 .8 .8 1.1 5.5
2016–17 Minnesota 62 0 8.6 .523 – .682 2.5 .4 .4 .4 1.7
2017–18 Minnesota 21 0 2.3 .333 – .333 .7 .1 .1 .0 0.6
Career 339 23 10.0 .527 – .738 3.3 .5 .4 .7 3.1

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2012 Oklahoma City 5 0 4.9 .444 – .500 2.6 .0 .0 .0 2.0
2016 L.A. Clippers 6 0 12.8 .667 – .500 5.0 .5 1.0 .5 3.8
Career 11 0 9.2 .583 – .500 3.9 .3 .5 .3 3.0

Personal life

[edit]

Aldrich lives in Minnesota with his wife and son.[33]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cole Aldrich

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cole Aldrich (born October 31, 1988) is an American former professional basketball player who primarily played as a center in the (NBA) from 2010 to 2018, followed by a brief stint in China's (CBA). Standing at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg), Aldrich was known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability during his college career at the , where he helped lead to the 2008 NCAA Championship and earned Consensus Second-Team All-American honors in 2010. Selected 11th overall in the by the New Orleans Hornets (with rights immediately traded to the ), Aldrich began his professional career with the Thunder, appearing in 44 games over two seasons before moving to the and in 2012–13. He continued his NBA journey with the (2013–15), (2015–16), and (2016–18), where he played in a total of 399 regular-season games, averaging 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game while appearing in 11 playoff games. After being waived by the Timberwolves in 2018, Aldrich signed with the but did not play in the NBA that season; he then played one year (2018–19) for the Tianjin Gold Lions in the CBA, averaging 18.9 points and 13.7 rebounds in 18 games before retiring from professional . A native of , Aldrich was a McDonald's All-American in high school and remains connected to his Kansas, which retired his No. 45 jersey in 2018.

Early life

Upbringing and family

Cole Aldrich was born on October 31, 1988, in . He is the son of Walter and Kathleen Aldrich, and has a younger brother named Grant. The family relocated to , during Aldrich's childhood, where they settled in a suburb near and St. Paul. Aldrich's family encountered financial difficulties during the economic , particularly around the period of his college years, which impacted their ability to travel and support his basketball pursuits. From a young age, Aldrich showed interest in , beginning to play in local youth leagues before advancing to organized high school competition.

High school career

Cole Aldrich attended Bloomington Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minnesota, where he developed into a standout center during his high school career. As a senior in the 2006–07 season, he earned All-State honors and was named the state player of the year by the St. Paul Pioneer Press, recognizing his dominant performance on the court. Aldrich led the Jaguars with impressive averages of 22.9 points, 17.6 rebounds, and 3.8 blocked shots per game while shooting 59.4 percent from the field, helping guide the team to the state quarterfinals in the Class AAAA tournament. His rebounding prowess was particularly notable, as he finished his career with 1,226 total rebounds, ranking among the top 10 in high school history at the time. Additionally, he was selected as a All-American in 2007 and named a finalist for the award, highlighting his status as one of the top prospects in the state. Aldrich's high school success drew attention from numerous top college programs, and he ultimately committed to the , where he signed a in November 2006.

College career

Freshman season (2007–08)

Cole Aldrich began his career at the during the 2007–08 season, serving primarily as a reserve center behind established starters like Darrell Arthur and . Under head coach , Aldrich adjusted to the higher intensity of Division I play by emphasizing defensive contributions and rebounding fundamentals, drawing on his high school experience as a dominant post player. He appeared in all 40 games for , logging an average of 8.3 minutes per game without any starts, while focusing on developing his shot-blocking ability and positioning. In limited action, Aldrich averaged 2.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, with 0.9 blocks, ranking third on the in total blocked shots with 36 despite his bench role. His stood out, shooting 51.8% from the field, and he recorded multiple blocks in nine games, showcasing his potential as a rim protector. During play, Aldrich provided valuable depth, contributing to Kansas's undefeated home record and overall conference championship, where his defensive presence helped limit opponents' interior scoring in key matchups. Aldrich's freshman campaign peaked in the postseason, where he played a supporting role in Kansas's run to the NCAA Championship. The Jayhawks advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 72–57 win over Villanova, in which Aldrich grabbed four rebounds in seven minutes off the bench. He maintained steady contributions through the victory over Davidson and into the , including four points and three rebounds against , before adding four points, three rebounds, and two blocks in the 75–68 national title win over Memphis. Notable regular-season performances included a career-high 10 points and seven rebounds against Portland State, highlighting his growing impact in transition to the college level. Although he did not earn individual honors like the Big 12 All-Freshman Team, his efforts were integral to the team's national success and his personal development in Self's system.

Sophomore season (2008–09)

In his sophomore season, Aldrich became a starter for the , playing in all 35 games and averaging 29.6 minutes per game. He posted a average of 14.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, along with 2.7 blocks, leading the Big 12 and ranking 12th nationally in blocks. His was an efficient 59.8%, and he recorded 21 double-doubles, including nine in conference play. Aldrich earned All-Big 12 First Team honors and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year for his anchoring role in the paint. Standout performances included a triple-double with 13 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 blocks against Dayton in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the second such feat in NCAA history to include blocks and the first official triple-double in history. , as a No. 1 seed, advanced to the Sweet 16 with wins over Portland State and Dayton before falling 102–90 to Memphis, where Aldrich contributed 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block in 26 minutes. Kansas finished the season 27–8 overall and 14–2 in Big 12 play, winning the regular-season conference title.

Junior season (2009–10)

In his junior season, Aldrich solidified his status as a dominant force in the paint for the , starting all 36 games and delivering career-high defensive contributions. He averaged 11.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, leading the Big 12 in blocks while ranking 4th nationally; he also placed second in the conference in defensive rebounds at 6.8 per game. His efficiency on offense was notable, shooting 56.2% from the field, and he recorded 13 double-doubles, including standout performances such as 18 points and 11 rebounds against State and 19 points with 11 rebounds versus Iowa State in key Big 12 matchups. Aldrich's defensive impact was recognized with several prestigious honors, including his second consecutive Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award and selection to the Consensus Second-Team All-American. He was also named to the preseason watch list alongside teammates and , highlighting his status among the nation's elite players. These accolades underscored his growth into a versatile big man who anchored ' league-best defense, holding opponents to the lowest field-goal percentage in the Big 12 at 39.5%. Under Aldrich's leadership, Kansas captured the Big 12 regular-season title with a 15-1 conference record and finished 33-3 overall, earning the No. 1 ranking in both major polls for much of the year. advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed before a shocking 69-67 upset loss to No. 9 seed Northern Iowa, where Aldrich contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds. Building on the motivation from the 2008 during his freshman year, Aldrich emphasized team leadership and defensive intensity throughout the season. On March 29, 2010, Aldrich announced his decision to forgo his senior year and declare for the 2010 NBA Draft, citing his readiness for professional basketball after three seasons at Kansas.

Professional career

2010 NBA draft

Cole Aldrich entered the 2010 NBA draft as a highly regarded center prospect following a standout college career at the University of Kansas, where he contributed to the 2008 NCAA championship and earned All-Big 12 honors in his junior year. His defensive prowess, including elite shot-blocking and rebounding, along with a listed height of 7 feet and a 7-foot-4 wingspan, made him a projected lottery selection during pre-draft evaluations. On June 24, 2010, Aldrich was selected 11th overall in the first round by the New Orleans Hornets. Immediately following the selection, the Hornets traded his draft rights, along with veteran forward , to the in exchange for the draft rights to forwards Craig Brackins (21st overall pick) and (26th overall pick). The trade, finalized on the same day, addressed Oklahoma City's need for frontcourt depth and defensive rim protection. Following the trade, Aldrich signed a three-year -scale contract with the Thunder on August 9, 2010, valued at approximately $6.86 million, consisting of two guaranteed years with team options for the third and fourth seasons. The deal included a first-year salary of $2.13 million, reflecting the scale for an 11th overall pick under the NBA's wage structure at the time.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2010–2012)

Aldrich joined the via a draft-night trade from the New Orleans Hornets in 2010, where he was selected 11th overall. In his 2010–11 season, Aldrich appeared in 18 games off the bench, averaging 1.0 point, 1.9 rebounds, and 7.9 minutes per game while serving as the third-string center behind starter and backup . He spent significant time developing with the Thunder's affiliate, the Tulsa 66ers, appearing in 21 games for them and averaging 10.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game to build experience. His limited NBA role reflected the Thunder's established frontcourt depth, with Aldrich primarily contributing in practice and select blowout situations. During the 2011–12 season, Aldrich saw slightly increased opportunities, playing in 26 regular-season games and averaging 2.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 6.7 minutes per game in a continued reserve capacity. He remained the third option at center, focusing on defensive contributions and rebounding in short stints. As part of the Thunder's deep playoff run, which advanced to the Western Conference Finals before reaching the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat, Aldrich appeared in five postseason games, averaging 2.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in 4.8 minutes per outing, often in garbage time during lopsided victories.

Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings (2012–2013)

On October 27, 2012, Cole Aldrich was traded from the to the as part of a blockbuster deal that also sent , , and Lazar Hayward to in exchange for Kevin Martin, , and several future draft picks. This move came after two seasons with the , where Aldrich had served primarily as a developmental backup center. In , Aldrich faced stiff competition at the center position from established players like Omer Asik and , limiting him to a reserve role. He appeared in 30 games during the 2012–13 season, averaging 1.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in 7.1 minutes per game, while shooting 53.5% from the field. Early in the season, a sprained right ankle sidelined him briefly, contributing to his inconsistent minutes. On February 20, 2013, the Rockets traded Aldrich, along with Patrick Patterson and , to the for Thomas Robinson, Francisco Garcia, and . Joining a Kings team led by at , Aldrich provided depth but still saw limited action amid ongoing depth chart battles and minor injury setbacks. He played in 15 games for Sacramento, averaging 3.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 11.7 minutes per game, with a of 60.0%. Despite flashes of productivity in expanded minutes toward the end of the season, Aldrich's tenure in both cities highlighted his challenges in securing a consistent NBA rotation spot.

New York Knicks (2013–2015)

On September 24, 2013, Aldrich signed a one-year, non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract with the New York Knicks, marking his first extended opportunity for consistent NBA playing time after brief stints with other teams. During the 2013–14 season, he appeared in 46 games, starting two, while averaging 2.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 7.2 minutes per game, with an efficient field goal percentage of .541. On January 29, 2014, he was briefly assigned to the Knicks' NBA Development League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks, before being recalled the next day. Later in the season, Aldrich recorded his first NBA double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in his debut start on March 12, 2014, against the Boston Celtics, showcasing his rebounding prowess and shot-blocking ability in limited minutes. Aldrich re-signed with the Knicks on July 11, 2014, to another one-year minimum-salary contract, providing depth at center amid frontcourt injuries. In the 2014–15 season, he emerged as a key rotation player, appearing in 61 games with 16 starts and achieving career highs of 5.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 16.0 minutes per game, while shooting .478 from the field. These improved numbers stemmed from increased opportunities as he filled in for injured power forwards and centers, including , who missed significant time due to knee issues, allowing Aldrich to contribute reliable rebounding and interior defense. His efficient play in the paint, particularly on offense where he capitalized on putbacks and pick-and-roll finishes, helped stabilize the Knicks' frontcourt during a challenging 17–65 season. Following the expiration of his contract, Aldrich became an unrestricted on July 1, 2015, concluding his two-year tenure with the Knicks where he transitioned from a fringe roster player to a dependable big man.

Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves (2015–2018)

On July 13, 2015, Aldrich signed a two-year contract with the , serving as a center to . During the 2015–16 season, he appeared in 60 games, averaging 5.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while providing veteran depth from his prior experience with the New York Knicks. As a following the expiration of his player option with the Clippers, Aldrich signed a three-year, $22 million contract with the on July 13, 2016, marking a return to his home state as a Bloomington native. In the 2016–17 season, he played in 62 games, averaging 1.7 points and 2.5 rebounds, primarily off the bench. The following year, limited by injuries, Aldrich appeared in 21 games during the 2017–18 season, averaging 0.6 points and 0.7 rebounds. Throughout his tenure with the Timberwolves, Aldrich provided frontcourt depth behind and , contributing to the team's improved interior defense and rotation stability. His role as a reliable helped support Minnesota's resurgence, culminating in the franchise's return to the in 2018 after a 14-year absence—the longest active drought in the NBA at the time. On June 30, 2018, the Timberwolves waived Aldrich, declining the team option on the final year of his contract to clear space.

International career (2018)

After being waived by the in October 2018, Cole Aldrich signed a one-year contract with the Tianjin Gold Lions of the (CBA) on October 10, 2018, marking his transition to international professional . During the 2018–19 season, Aldrich appeared in 18 games for , averaging 18.9 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game in 27.4 minutes of play. He adapted to the CBA's faster-paced style, which emphasized quick transitions and physical play in the , allowing him to focus on interior scoring and rebounding while leveraging his size as a 6'11" . However, his stint was cut short in December 2018 when he suffered a grade-two MCL in his , leading him to return to for rehabilitation at the ; the team withheld his remaining salary and required recovery in , which he did not pursue. Aldrich retired from professional basketball following the 2018–19 season, with no subsequent playing contracts reported as of 2025.

Career statistics and records

NBA regular season

Cole Aldrich played 339 games over eight NBA seasons, averaging 3.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 52.3% from the field. His role as a backup emphasized efficiency in limited minutes, with a career (PER) of 15.3, reflecting solid contributions relative to his playing time. Across teams, Aldrich's scoring and rebounding varied based on opportunity. With the from 2010 to 2012, he averaged under 2.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in reserve roles. His production rose after trades; in 2012–13 split between the and , he posted 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds. The peak came with the in 2014–15, where he achieved career highs of 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game across 61 appearances. Later stints with the (2015–16: 5.5 points, 4.8 rebounds) and (2016–18: under 2.0 points and rebounds) showed diminishing minutes but maintained defensive utility. Aldrich's rebounding trended upward in his mid-career years, improving from 1.8 per game in 2011–12 to a high of 5.5 in 2014–15, as he adapted to bigger frontline roles. His shooting efficiency stood out, with a career of 56.3%, peaking at 62.6% during the 2015–16 season when he capitalized on close-range opportunities. In advanced metrics, his defensive impact was notable, accumulating 5.4 defensive over his career, with a peak of 2.0 in 2015–16 alongside the Clippers. These figures underscore his value as a rim protector and efficient scorer in spot duty, though inconsistent minutes limited broader offensive involvement.

NBA playoffs

Aldrich's NBA playoff experience was limited, appearing in 11 games across two postseasons during his professional career. With the in the 2012 playoffs, he played in five games as the team advanced to the , averaging 2.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in 5.0 minutes per game while providing backup support behind starters and . His contributions came primarily in the early rounds, including the first-round sweep against the and the Western Conference semifinals against the , though he saw no action in the conference finals or Finals series against the . In 2016, Aldrich joined the for their first-round matchup against the , appearing in all six games of the series, which the Clippers lost 4-2. He averaged 3.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game, offering valuable interior depth and rebounding off the bench amid injuries to key frontcourt players. Over his playoff career, Aldrich posted averages of 3.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.3 blocks in 9.3 minutes per game across those 11 contests. His role remained that of a rotational big man, contributing to team depth in rebounding and defense but with minimal overall impact due to restricted playing time in high-stakes postseason environments.

Personal life

Family

Cole Aldrich married Britt Claflin, a fellow graduate, on July 20, 2013, at the Saint Paul Hotel in . The couple has maintained a low-profile centered on their relationship. Aldrich and his wife welcomed their first child, a son, in 2019, shortly after his NBA retirement in 2018 and during the early stages of the . The couple has one child. Aldrich has prioritized his role as a father in his post- life. The Aldriches reside in , near Aldrich's hometown area in the suburbs (born in Burnsville, raised in Bloomington), where he continues to foster close ties to the community. Following his , Aldrich has emphasized spending with his and enjoying everyday activities at home. Aldrich and Britt have occasionally involved their family in philanthropic efforts, such as hosting families for holiday events during his Timberwolves tenure.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Throughout his NBA career, Cole Aldrich actively participated in community initiatives, often alongside his , Britt. In December 2016, the couple hosted a and gift-giving event for families in need through at Mayo Clinic Square in . They continued this support by hosting families at Timberwolves games over the subsequent two years, providing tickets and gifts to enhance holiday experiences for underprivileged children. Aldrich also focused on educational support, partnering with the Kids in Need Foundation to distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students in low-income areas. In August 2017, he and Britt, along with family and friends, packed and delivered 600 backpacks to the Hiawatha Leadership Academy in , helping prepare children for the school year. Earlier efforts included a similar backpack giveaway event in 2016 organized through the Timberwolves' community programs. His commitment to youth development extended to clinics; in October 2015, as a member of the , he joined teammates and for a Jr. NBA clinic teaching fundamentals, health, and wellness to local children. Aldrich hosted additional youth camps, such as one in , in 2011 for ages 7-16 emphasizing fundamentals. In recognition of his efforts, Aldrich received the Flip Saunders Legacy Award in April 2018, voted by his Timberwolves teammates for exemplary ; the award honors the late coach's dedication to giving back. He further supported health-related causes, including missions with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, where in May 2017 he and Britt traveled to to fit 1,000 hearing aids for those in need, building on a 2015 trip to . Aldrich also engaged with Children's , visiting patients and participating in foundation events like the Star Gala. Following his retirement from professional in 2018, Aldrich has resided in , continuing to support local causes focused on and youth sports access. As of 2025, he remains active on social media, promoting and engaging with community events, such as publicly commenting on KU games to encourage fan involvement.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrico01.html
  2. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/4267/cole-aldrich
  3. https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/dc2010_cole_aldrich.html
  4. https://www.nba.com/hawks/atlanta-hawks-sign-cole-aldrich
  5. https://www.basketball-reference.com/international/players/cole-aldrich-1.html
  6. https://www.foxsports.com/stories/other/timberwolves-place-center-cole-aldrich-on-waivers
  7. https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/aldrich-has-jersey-retired-allen-fieldhouse
  8. https://kuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/cole-aldrich/1243
  9. https://www.twincities.com/2009/03/18/aldrich-returns-as-a-budding-star/
  10. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/columns/jenni-carlson/2010/07/17/things-looking-up-for-thunders-cole-aldrich-and-parents/61226147007/
  11. https://www.minnesotamagic.net/magicxalumni
  12. https://www.twincities.com/2007/03/26/big-man-bright-future/
  13. http://minnesotahoops.blogspot.com/2018/04/minnesotas-100-best-centers-ever.html
  14. https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/timberwolves-sign-center-cole-aldrich
  15. http://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/43948/cole-aldrich
  16. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/cole-aldrich-1.html
  17. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/cole-aldrich-1/gamelog/2008
  18. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/kansas/men/2008.html
  19. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/cole-aldrich-1/gamelog/2009
  20. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/awards/men/consensus-all-america-2010-2019.html
  21. https://www.cjonline.com/sports/basketball/2009-10-29/ku_trio_on_naismith_list
  22. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/kansas/men/2010.html
  23. https://www.sbnation.com/2010/3/29/1395513/cole-aldrich-nba-draft-declares-kansas
  24. https://www.nbadraft.net/players/cole-aldrich/
  25. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/411221-2010-nba-draft-breaking-down-the-top-draft-day-deals
  26. https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/_/id/6893/cole-aldrich
  27. https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/players/a/aldrico01d.html
  28. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/10/08/oklahoma-city-thunder-time-for-cole-aldrich-to-show-he-can-be-an-nba-player/61038908007/
  29. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrico01/gamelog-playoffs
  30. https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/thunder-acquires-martin-lamb-and-multiple-draft-picks-rockets
  31. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8968568/thomas-robinson-2012-no-5-overall-pick-dealt-sacramento-kings-houston-rockets
  32. https://aroyalpain.com/2013/05/07/sacramento-kings-2012-13-season-player-reviews-cole-aldrich/
  33. https://nypost.com/2014/03/12/knicks-top-celtics-win-fifth-straight/
  34. https://www.nba.com/knicks/knicks-re-sign-cole-adrich
  35. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/13355566/the-phil-files-part-7-final-evaluations
  36. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2440809-final-regular-season-grades-for-every-new-york-knicks-player
  37. https://www.nba.com/knicks/news/season-review-cole-aldrich
  38. https://www.prosportstransactions.com/basketball/Search/SearchResults.php??Player=&Team=Knicks&PlayerMovementChkBx=yes&BeginDate=2014-3-19&EndDate=3000-1-1&submit=Search&start=50
  39. https://www.nba.com/clippers/clippers-sign-austin-rivers-and-cole-aldrich
  40. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/16734761/cole-aldrich-reaches-agreement-minnesota-timberwolves
  41. https://www.espn.com/nba/story?id=17077452
  42. https://www.mprnews.org/story/2018/04/12/timberwolves-are-back-beat-nuggets-in-ot-to-reach-playoffs
  43. https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-waive-center-cole-aldrich
  44. https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article219906235.html
  45. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Cole_Aldrich
  46. https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/27/chinese-basketball-association-jimmer-fredette-shabazz-muhammad-stephon-marbury
  47. https://www.shamsports.com/player-profile?pid=1132
  48. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/03/sports/basketball/nba-retirement.html
  49. https://www.landofbasketball.com/stats_by_team/2011_2012_thunder_pl.htm
  50. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2016-nba-western-conference-first-round-trail-blazers-vs-clippers.html
  51. https://www.nba.com/player/202332/cole-aldrich
  52. https://www2.kusports.com/news/2013/jul/20/prep-big-men-gather-summer-jam/
  53. http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/apr/30/former-ku-center-cole-aldrich-will-graduate-ku-may/
  54. https://www.twincities.com/2016/12/23/timberwolves-cole-aldrich-family-host-christmas-dinner-for-families-in-need/
  55. https://www.twincities.com/2017/07/05/with-big-heart-and-care-for-others-timberwolves-cole-aldrich-cut-from-a-different-cloth/
  56. https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/cole-aldrich-chosen-flip-saunders-legacy-award-recipient
  57. https://www.twincities.com/2017/08/21/timberwolves-center-cole-aldrich-packs-delivers-600-backpacks-to-minneapolis-school/
  58. https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/community/cole-aldrich-isnt-wasting-time-giving-back
  59. https://www.nba.com/clippers/clippers-kick-off-jr-nba-week-with-kids-clinic
  60. https://www.gbtribune.com/sports/pro-sports/aldrich-to-hold-youth-basketball-camp-in-bloomington/
  61. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/columns/2020/04/12/thunder-legacy-series-cole-aldrich-learned-invaluable-lessons-in-okc-tenure/60406246007/
  62. https://www.si.com/college/kansas/basketball/kansas-basketball-alumni-blast-jayhawks-on-social-media-following-byu-loss-
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.