Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is the detailed information about Cole Aldrich:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Cole David Aldrich
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born October 31, 1988
  • Hometown: Bloomington, Minnesota, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm)
  • Weight: 250 pounds (113 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 4 inches (224 cm)
  • Shoe Size: 18 (US)
  • Jersey Number: 45, 31, 11, 41 (varied by team)
  • Position: Center
  • High School: Bloomington Jefferson High School, Bloomington, Minnesota
  • College: University of Kansas (2007–2010)
  • NBA Draft: 2010, 1st round, 11th overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets (rights traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder)
  • Teams Played For:
    1. Oklahoma City Thunder (2010–2012)
    2. Houston Rockets (2012)
    3. Sacramento Kings (2012–2013)
    4. New York Knicks (2013–2014)
    5. Los Angeles Clippers (2014–2016)
    6. Minnesota Timberwolves (2016–2017)
    7. Atlanta Hawks (2017–2018)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Cole Aldrich is married but there is limited public information about his children.
  • Siblings: He has two siblings: Kathleen Aldrich (sister) and Grant Aldrich (brother).

Player Archetype / Play Style

Cole Aldrich’s player archetype was that of a traditional rim-protecting center: a paint anchor who made his living with interior defense, rebounding, screen setting, and low-maintenance finishing around the basket. At 6-foot-11 with a long wingspan and a strong frame, he projected as a back-line defender who used positioning, timing, and size more than speed, giving teams a true shot-blocking presence around the rim. Offensively, his role was limited but useful, mostly revolving around post finishes, put-backs, rolls to the basket, and doing the dirty work that kept possessions alive. His overall play style was rugged and functional rather than flashy, built on effort, physicality, and awareness in the paint. (NBA)

Fun Facts

  • Cole Aldrich was known for his defensive presence, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities.
  • He won the 2008 NCAA Championship with the Kansas Jayhawks, where he played a key role during his college career.
  • After leaving the NBA, he pursued opportunities internationally and has focused on family and other ventures post-retirement.

Sources:

NBA.com — Draft 2010 | Cole Aldrich | Minnesota Timberwolves
Bullets Forever — 2010 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Cole Aldrich
Tankathon — Cole Aldrich 2010 Draft Profile
SLAM — Cole Aldrich Predraft Diary – SLAM Magazine