I loved LA's comment to Cheryl at the end of the interview, "I don't think I'm going to make it...this year." Whether he makes it or not, LA is playing and carrying this team like an All Star. If he continues this level of play, the NBA will eventually catch up, take notice and give him the honor he deserves. I don't think it will be this year, however.
I have a strong hunch that making the team will cement the past month as Aldridge's new level of play. Some people need to feel like they belong before they can settle into the role of belonging.
I crunched LA's line from the 6 games vs the Clips and Wolves 25.3 Pts. on 57% 9.2 Boards 2.0 Assts 0.8 Stls 1.3 Blks 1.7 TOs all 6 games were of course wins with an average spread of 10.0 points... NFL coaches weighed in [video=youtube;4zLlIdZikDk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLlIdZikDk[/video] STOMP
Aldridge Steals Blake Griffin's Showcase http://dimemag.com/2011/01/aldridge-steals-blake-griffins-showcase-d-rose-steals-the-mavs-mojo/
If you just looked at the box score, you would say Griffin may have even gotten the better of the matchup. If you just watched the game, you would say Aldridge spanked Griffin like a little boy. I watched the game then saw the box score. I was surprised Griffin had that kind of production.
And make no mistake, a "showcase" for Griffin is exactly what this game was supposed to be. I'm reminded of when Brandon was on the bubble for an All Star berth and had a huge game on national TV. It really brought his name to the forefront. Perhaps this could do the same for Aldridge.
Here's a question I might try to answer myself if I have time: in the last 18 games, LMA is averaging 27 points a game, and we're 12-6. Did Roy ever have an 18-game stretch of averaging 27 points or more? EDIT: not quite what I'm after, but it's a start: streak of games scoring at least 15 points, from 2006-07 through today. http://bkref.com/tiny/Y2wyk I'm a little surprised by the results. Another note: LMA had a 6-game streak of 25pts or more; that's good for a tie for 3rd best since 1986 for the Blazers (Clyde owns the top 3 with 9, 8, and 6).
LA's only hope right now is that David Stern is seeing what he is doing. Considering Stern has made some choices in the past that went against what the fans voted for, he should have a chance. I guess the question is, has Stern recognized Aldridge and his play this year for what it is, or is he like most east coasters who hasn't seen him at all and will just go off the stats.
You're right; I crunched the numbers myself and got (from 12/17 - 1/20): 23.89 pts/gm on 53.7% FG 10.11 reb/gm 2.06 assists 1.39 blocks This also does not include the Dallas game, in which Brandon last played.
Stern doesn't pick the reserves. And I still think a couple of cruise ships docked along waterfront park would solve the lack of hotel rooms problem. It's what cities have done in the past for the World Cup and Olympics.
Interesting. Do these cruise ship have big luxory suites? What they want is ONE big luxory Hotel to host everyone. Portland has enough rooms, but they claim they don't want it spread out. Moot point though as the players do not want to be in Portland in February for their 4 day break.
Who do the coaches get to pick? I thought they got to pick people too. Actually if LMA was really serious about being an all star he'd change his name to YaoMarcus Mingdridge. The Chinese vote is enough to carry him.
The NBA and players could stand to throw a little cheddar to a great NBA city that is going threw some rough economic times.
The All Star coach (coach with the best record in the conference) gets to select the reserves. My understanding is that Stern selects injury replacements.
