Cole Aldrich endears himself to Clippers teammates through workmanlike approach

Cole Aldrich pulled back one sleeve on his T-shirt to reveal an assortment of bruises, nicks and cuts on his left arm.

It might be one of the more pristine areas of his body.

The Clippers center also sports a black eye, a missing front tooth and a scar between his eyebrows resulting from a nasty cut earlier this season.

Contrast that with the picture Austin Rivers posted on Instagram after Aldrich’s best game of the season Friday against the Utah Jazz. It featured Aldrich with a full set of teeth and a spotless face, not to mention a tie, dress shirt and plaid vest.

“Lol chose this pic cause the big fella meant straight BUSINESS tonight!” Rivers wrote after Aldrich notched season highs in points (21) and rebounds (18) along with a career high in steals (five) to spark a victory that came with nearly half the Clippers’ roster home resting.

Aldrich’s workmanlike approach is among the things his teammates most appreciate about him. He stayed in optimal shape even while playing sparingly for most of the season’s first two months, preparing himself for the opportunity that followed.

Aldrich moved into the rotation Dec. 21 against Oklahoma City, triggering a resurgence from the Clippers’ reserves.

“When we made the switch to him,” Coach Doc Rivers said, “is when I thought our bench took off.”

Aldrich effectively executed pick and rolls, improved the ball movement and energized his teammates when he played through his many bruises and scrapes.

“I think he thinks he’s a hockey player,” Rivers said.

Aldrich said he didn’t get down when he barely played because his six NBA seasons have taught him that opportunity could come at any moment. He certainly made the most of it in the four games DeAndre Jordan has sat out, averaging 16.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, and shooting 59.6% in those starts.

“He looked like ‘The Dream’ out there,” Austin Rivers said, dropping a Hakeem Olajuwon reference while referring to Aldrich’s game against the Jazz.

Aldrich was back to the bench Sunday against the Dallas Mavericks, a spot where he has been equally valuable. He had four points, eight rebounds and one block during the Clippers’ 98-91 victory at Staples Center.

He didn’t appear to suffer any further bodily harm, though he probably wouldn’t have minded.

“Sometimes you walk out with bruises and scars and a missing tooth,” Aldrich said. “It’s just all part of it.”

Etc.

Clippers veteran forward Paul Pierce sat out against the Mavericks to rest. … Rivers said he still intended to rest at least a few of his starters for the regular-season finale against Phoenix on Wednesday.

Follow Ben Bolch on Twitter: @latbbolch