so I havent seen a thread (maybe I missed it) I know its been 2 big games.. but what are people's thoughts about his recent assertiveness? Is it because he has played smaller softer players in Okhur and Kirilenko, and a tired front court like the Spurs? Or is he turning the corner?
One thing to keep in mind is, he has ALWAYS had really good games against the SAS. I would love more assertivness against other teams, say memphis and Zbo and bigger guys like Kenyoin Martin etc...
What about against Utah? I'm not arguing one point over the other on it.. I just dont know how he does against them lol.
I dont know if you remember, but when Utah played in PDX a couple weeks ago, Boozer shut him down in the first half until he got injured
Sorry, that sucks, but yea, I am not a Aldridge Endorser, definitly a suporter, but still... I think he can REALLY help this team when he gets a low post presence like Oden to play alongside him
My daughter was watching the game with me last night and they zoomed in to show Duncan and LaMarcus bodying up against each other, and my daughter thought they were brothers. My thoughts on LaMarcus are that he's been playing this year on a bum wheel; he is passive when you let him be or when the offense is designed that way; he responds to banging in the post after a while but you have to give him time to get used to it and build up his aggression and adjust his mental preparation; for a big man he is an amazingly good shooter and amazing at running the floor and handling the ball on the move; and he looks like he could be Tim Duncan's brother.
I have no stats to back this up, only quick thoughts from watching once...it seems as if we're trying too hard to establish "LaMarcus Aldridge, Post Player Extraordinaire" instead of running offenses designed to play to his strengths. IMO, one of these is the pick-and-pop or pick-and-roll. Another one of them is the fastbreak. One of them is not necessarily the fadeaway spinning baseline 15-footer with a hand in the face from a guy you've been setting a move up on for 8 seconds. LMA isn't Shaq--he can't stick his butt into a guy, back him down a few steps and dunk over him. He's shown that little drop-step the last couple of games, but even than can be exploited more. I like what I saw from Webs giving the entry passes last night where they'd try the entry, LMA would realize he's too far out or getting doubled, so he'd pass it back to Webster who immediately passed to a re-posted LMA. I think he forced a few too many shots into double- and triple-teams, but that will probably get better the more time he spends in the post. Otherwise, I thought the running was fantastically entertaining and effective.
I remain stoked he's on the team. He's not moving as well and his explosion isn't there... I'm guessing it's the sprained ankles he's suffered. While those can linger they do generally do heal. His movement and production have been ramping up of late though. Another thought, dude has had a lot of bigtime games vs Pau... STOMP
Keep in mind we need him to play for 40 minutes every game. He can NOT get in foul trouble. It seems to me he is pacing himself a little since the injuries to Greg and Joel. Early on he was more aggressive and getting in foul trouble. We can't afford him to be on the bench. Even if he is not scoring, he is at least keeping the D honest.
true... but I prefer him to attack the other teams PF and get them into foul trouble.. that way he and the backups have it easier later on (which he has been doing the last couple games)
Over the weeks watching Aldidge I have been concerned he might have had some health issues. I noticed last week on several plays he did not elevate right. So while dissappointed in many ways with his play I have always kept it in the back of my mind he might not be right health wise. He was probably playing because we are so short handed, he was just doing everything he could to help out, even if hurt.
Good point. It seems like there is no love lost there. Plus LaMarcus seems to really HATE the Lakers. I hope Rudy and Batum both put points on Pau's face!!
My second favorite Pau posterization is Outlaw's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-9EuB-5x6A I like how he bitch slapped him before he smashed it on his head.
As an LMA fan, even I've been pretty underwhelmed by his season so far. My main thought is why the hell it took 50 games to get it going? I'm glad he's finally starting to show up consistently, but I'd bet cold hard cash this is not the season he envisioned himself having.
I wasn't impressed with him during last night's game. He continued not to be able to get to the basket, and the shots he made were extremely tough fadeaway jumpers. Hmmm.. Sounds a lot like Travis Outlaw to me.
