LA is a lot longer than Love, but Love actually did better in agility and athletic tests at predraft camps. So LA = longer, Love = more athletic.
First of all, that Love "highlights" video was WEAK! Half the video was him being "guarded" by Rudy Gay! And shooting completely uncontested elbow jumpers. Woo-woo. And remember, last year Love was playing alongside Al Jefferson, while Aldridge was playing most games alongside, um, Juwan Howard. Hmm. Wonder who saw the double team? Second, Aldridge has an ABSURD wingspan: longer than Dwight Howard and Greg Oden. He can run the floor like a deer and move his feet well enough to switch on guards, which, given Nate's defensive systems, he has to often. Can you imagine a guard's eyes lighting up if they had Love switched on to them?
Roy? Love ran better than Aldridge in predraft workouts. But taking Nate's shitty defensive scheme of constantly switching on ther pick and roll into account, Aldridge is a much better fit.
I think Love has a little more cajones than LMA really. He might be from Lake Oswego, but he's a fiesty SOB, just like his obnoxious dad. I understand that highlight packages are nothing more than just highlights. The only reason why I posted that was because someone posted a highlight video of Lamarcus. I wouldn't have posted it otherwise.
I'm curious to see if Bob Ociepka's addition to the staff puts a dent in that philosophy at all? Not to say that I think they'll abandon switches completely, but under Nate (and Dean?) they seemed to default to it almost like it was a nervous tic. If Greg, LMA and Nic are the one's switching I don't worry about it so much, but it was those times when you'd see Bayless or another smallish guard on a power forward when I'd reflexively "facepalm."
I thought the highlight video's were comparable. LMA's might have had better music. Highlight videos are based on how 'flashy' a player is anyways. Lamarcus is soft, as much as he hates the term, he is. Of the 4 key cogs on the team I think LMA should be the most attainable. If Aldridge has a double team come at him, which rarely happens, he is horrible. I don't hate Lamarcus' game, I just think he's very overrated by the fanbase.
So: Aldridge posts up and the other team doubles Roy. Yeah... And Jordan Farmar had one of the highest verticals ever in workouts. And Monta Ellis tested as slow and unathletic. Love is surprisingly effective in the NBA given how ill-suited he seems to be. But then again, he was playing alongside a big who demands constant double teams, for a SHITTY TEAM. He is above average at rebounding and passing. He is WELL below average at any kind of defense. Can you imagine the Grizzlies even thinking of putting Rudy Gay on Aldridge?
I could agree with all of this and still think Aldridge is way better than Love. In fact I do and I do. My biggest problem with Aldridge is that he's moody and prickly. He needs his ego to be cosseted. I don't think we have a coach that's good at that.
By only playing half of the game- i.e. offense with no defense. love how you listed a million categories for rebounds, though.
I would probably give up Aldridge for Love. They're roughly equal players right now, but Love is three years younger. He also is much, much cheaper. Aldridge runs much better and he SHOULD be a superior shotblocker, but that's all I can see that he is preferable to Love in regards to. Love is a far superior passer, a much better rebounder and, IMO, a superior jumpshooter. I'm not at all displeased that Aldridge is a Blazer, but I'd prefer to swap Love in for him right now. Ed O.
Back to my post........ How many GM's would want LA as their starting center compared to Love. I don't care what their teams strengths are or if they have no low post games or not.... straight up, who would you want starting for your team. I truly believe EVERY GM would pick Aldridge!
Yup. My sentiments as well. Love is a rebounding beast, but we have Greg, and neither will be as good playing next to the other. Then there is the whole playing both sides of the floor bit. Love is good, LMA is better and a better fit for this team.
Weren't you the guy that was harping on how bad ZBo was on defense. That's how Love doen't come close to being as well rounded. LMA is a much, much, much better defender than KL - and still has more defensive potential untapped than Love has.
LA likes Chinese food where Love prefers Italian and Mexican. Since Chinese food is loaded with MSG, I feel that his health will decline quicker than the player eating pasta and flats. I go with Love. His diet is healthier.
Aldridge. Still my favorite player since his rookie year. I still think he's got more to show and would regret trading him unless it were for Carmello, CP3, etc.
