The comments about not wanting to be a center were made a while ago. Although he said that he wants a center; I think having a defensive minded pf would be enough to pursued him. I think winning is more important to him.
the problem with this notion is the idea that the centers in this league are doling out punishment on the offensive end; I would venture to suggest that most NBA centers don't post up, and that PFs require more defensive attention and energy than centers do. Plus, with a player like West, we could simply put Aldridge on the "easier" assignment, because West is a superior defender anyway.
Well for the most part, Aldridge has this season. We've played a lot of stretch 4 offense in the 4th quarters and Aldridge is the center. For almost the entire season, teams are using their center to guard Aldridge. In the season so far; Portland played 77 games. In that 77 games; Aldridge has played mostly center in the 4th; with a few exceptions of when we used Hickson in the 4th. Then you factor that he is playing half his time on the court at center; since teams are putting their centers on him. This isn't a "small sample size"; he has significant minutes at center so far. Last season; he was considerably better in all categories at center --- http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketbal...ers/players/lamarcus-aldridge/stats/12/25/359 This season; his scoring is down at center; but the rebounds are up. It seems the other areas are a bit down. Although I think he just hasn't had the groove to get into the center role. http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketbal...ers/players/lamarcus-aldridge/stats/13/25/352
It doesn't have to be the center doling out the punishment. It'll be our primary paint defender taking that punishment. And you're suggesting LA to fill that role, correct?
Wow I didn't notice this when I used hoopstats! Aldridge is just beasting the last 5 games. 26.8 points, 12.2 rebonds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 51.9% FG, 31.6 EFF! http://www.hoopsstats.com/basketbal...ers/players/lamarcus-aldridge/stats/13/25/352
Yes, he played a few games starting as the center. But is he willing to do that full time? You'd think our coaching staff would've asked LA to play center this year while JJ acclimates himself to the 4 spot. That made too much sense!
Aldridge is a "center" for the most part, at least on offense. Hickson usually guards the opposing center, but that's it. Neither player is a defensive anchor so classifying either one as a "center" is just whatever. Not sure what people are expecting.
Expecting? Nothing. I would just like a change in the paradigm from, "Find a defensive center to pair with our all-star PF," to, "find a solid PF to pair with our all-star center." Quite simply, the seeing thought process would be easier, cheaper, and more effective than the first.
But we have a solid PF. His name is J.J. Hickson. It's pretty obvious that we're not lacking scoring from that position. We need someone who can anchor the defense. Aldridge isn't going to do that, ever, whether he plays PF or C. It doesn't matter if we go after a PF or a C, but that player needs to be able to hold down a defense.
See I disagree with that for Portland. He maybe a solid PF on a team with a defensive minded center (Perfect place would be Milwaukee, Lakers, Memphis or Brooklyn). If he is on a team with more of a man defending center; he is a liability.
This is why I want West. He's an excellent defender, and he also has a strong offensive repertoire, including the pick and pop game that Stotts loves to use his PF in. Someone like West would be able to defend the opposition's best big every night, let LA play rim defending help defense, play the PF role offensively, and put LA down on the block much more often. Can you think of a center out there that will give us as much on both sides of the court?
And if we couldn't land West, I bet Brand would be a cheap option. Hell even Josh Smith playing PF would be pretty sick. I think Josh Smith would demand more though.
We don't need someone who is good individually. There aren't enough Marc Gasols and Dwight Howards out there that can kill teams on a consistent basis. We need someone that is a good team defender, and can communicate and organize the team on defense. West isn't that. Aldridge isn't that. It was mentioned before but Dalembert is probably the closest thing who is also an UFA this summer. It's a stopgap player, but there just aren't many options out there.
I think what's more impressive is if he keeps this up; he may have close to a 20-10 by the end of the season. Just get 12 boards a game the rest of the way; and he should be at 9.7 be seasons end
