I think this is how we need Aldridge all season. I hope he can finish this season strong like we've seen so far in March. I doubt there would be any haters if Aldridge would just play at this level all season long. I've noticed his shots outside of 10 feet have dropped considerably. That's a really good sign!
LaMarcus Aldridge has always been a slow starter and comes into form as the season progresses. Which is a good thing, if we were making the playoffs. Maybe people have forgotten this because he got hurt at the end of the season last year. But during the first half of the season, there are always Aldridge detractors, and he more times than not make them look foolish by the home stretch of the season.
I don't think many would care if his points dropped to a more efficient 18 ppg, but averaged a 10-12 rebound per season either.
It's the blocks I'm encouraged about. I couldn't care less about him averaging over 8 boards if he was putting up 2 or 3 blocks per game.
I wish Batum and Aldridge worked a 2 man game on the defensive end. Maybe work together on timing and who is doing what. I think that would increase both player's defensive efficiency. Batum is heady enough to really force players to go into the teeth of the D. Aldridge should be timing the rotation so he is there for the block. When he is facing you on the help D, Aldridge is actually very good with blocks. It's when he must turn around and make a decision to take the chance is where he sucks. This is where I think a good defensive coach would do wonders for this team. The guy would only need to find the positioning for the defenders to be in the best possible position for the d. I think our current coaches are just relying on their athleticism and skill than actually making it easier for them.
It was driving me up the fucking wall watching Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey get into the paint at will the other night. We desperately need a defensive presence in the middle. Hickson wasn't doing shit.
But the thing is, there are teams undersized that protect the paint in recent history. I think there needs to be more trapping from the guards. We are either playing zone of man up. There are hardly any traps or doubles ever. Hickson could be trained to body, while our wing closest to him, immediately traps the player, then goes back to his man the moment the big passes out. If they are on Aldridge; he is fine playing man D.
Hopefully he'll average more than 10-12 rebounds per season. 10-12 rebounds per game would be much better, like 82 times better. BNM
I suggested LA focus more on defense and less on offense where he would get about 18 ppg, 10 rpg, and several blocks. I think I suggested that here or the O-Live forum. I still believe it would be the best for the team. Having two interior paint defenders is my preference. One great interior defender is nice, but short in supply. Our defense could use the added effort from LA as a defensive threat.
I can't believe this thread was made during what is currently Aldridge's most productive month of the season It's proof that the Aldridge haters will never be happy. Time for you guys to find a new hobby.
You could conversely say (I'm not, but one could) that when he plays like he's allergic to the paint he's not efficient enough to be shooting as much as he does and hurts the team, in addition to contributing little on D and having a career-low ORB%. When he shoots even 1/2 of his shots from in the paint, he's a Player of the Week and deserving All-Star (who additionally is playing some decent defense and rebounding). That dichotomy right there is something the "haters" generally point out, which isn't really disputed by LMA winning a PoW award.
I've said this well over a thousand times and no one really responds. Aldridge looks as though he is being asked to take those shots; freeing up lanes for Lillard. When he is asked to take perimeter shots; then he can't get a offensive rebound can he? So using bits and pieces of advanced stats never tell the entire story. It seems Stotts realizes the most damage is with Aldridge smashing the paint; which is why more and more plays are on the block now with Aldridge. I don't know if you haven't noticed; but I've seen Stotts using hickson more and more on the pick and pop situation. He has put Aldridge down lower for the rebounds.
LaMarcus Aldridge didn't design the offense that LaMarcus Alrdidge currently plays in. LaMarcus Aldridge does what he's told like a gentleman because he's not the head coach. The point here being that so many people bitching about LaMarcus's play don't realize they should be bitching about the plays, not the player.
You're partly correct. LA should also feel comfortable going to his coach and telling his preferred style of playing. Wait a moment. They call that communication. That's right, they don't do that. Scrap this post. :MARIS61:
That's one knock I have with Aldridge. He's too nice of a guy to ruffle any feathers and question the coach; even if he does it privately. This is why he can't be a true "Batman", IMO.
This is what I have been preaching all season about his 71% perimeter shots argument. It's not like he is forcing these shots. They are calling plays for him to take shots from there. Plus a lot of his perimeter shots are with the clock winding down; which is the lowest % shot to take. Aldridge doesn't pad his stats, he plays within the system. He plays the way the coach wants him to play. The LaMonster can happen, but the coach needs to implement it more in the playbook.
As far as I'm concerned, just about everyone gets a pass this season because everyone's new, basically. 8 new players, 5 rookies, a new coaching staff... new offense, new schemes, and a TON of learning on the job. I feel like post All-Star Break is where things have become a bit more focused. Maynor has helped a lot, and that's meant even more offensive adjustments. There's just too much in flux to even whine much about LaMarcus's shot selection, or anything, really. But I cringe when people send back food at a restaurant, so this whole "taking control through focused, direct complaining" thing feels weird to me.
