Cavaliers dreaming of a LaMarcus Aldridge trade...

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by BigGameDamian, Apr 24, 2013.

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  1. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    Al Jefferson's career rebound percentage is 34th in NBA history (12th among active players); his career block percentage is 42nd (15th among actives) [both stats only tracked since the mid-70's]. He's No Tyson Chandler, obviously, but then again, it's not like he's Zach Randolph either (good rebounder, but terrible shot blocker), and he's well ahead of Lamarcus Aldridge in both categories.

    As much as people want to categorize him as a "power forward playing out of position", Jefferson is right in the middle of the pack in terms of providing what a center is "supposed to" provide, and that's certainly an upgrade over what we've seen in recent years (Camby's tenure aside).

    Also, 82games shows that over the last 4 years, he's consistently outperformed his opponents at the center position by about 4.5 PER, most notably in terms of turnovers and drawing fouls. I don't think he's quite as bad a defender as y'all make him out to be.
     
    PtldPlatypus, Apr 26, 2013
    #101
  2. BigGameDamian

    BigGameDamian Well-Known Member

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    Like I said, It wouldn't be my first choice but Jefferson is better than Hickson.
     
    BigGameDamian, Apr 26, 2013
    #102
  3. noknobs

    noknobs Well-Known Member

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    Okay, but after watching our games this last year we REALLY REALLY need a big center who'll be a defensive presence down low, and while I'm sure he's an upgrade from Hickson, I'm not sure that blowing our load and spending all that money (and it would be a lot) on a guy like Jefferson is a good strategy. Doesn't seem to address our needs.
     
    noknobs, Apr 26, 2013
    #103
  4. Rhal

    Rhal Well-Known Member

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    Jefferson is a bad defender and blocks don't mean he is a good defender. The great thing that Jefferson can do is score around the basket and draw fouls. He may be the best player in the NBA at being able to draw fouls in the post. He is an okay passer as well. The offensive side there is no question that Jefferson is really good but his defense has dogged him since his days as a Celtic.
     
    Rhal, Apr 26, 2013
    #104
  5. PtldPlatypus

    PtldPlatypus Let's go Baby Blazers! Staff Member Global Moderator Moderator

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    I mention blocks not to tout him as a great defender, but to show that he's more of a "rim protector" than people give him credit for. I was primarily looking at the opponent PER as my support that he's not a terrible defender. Nobody's going to mistake him for Roy Hibbert, but he'd be an improvement over Hickson defensively, as well as offensively.
     
    PtldPlatypus, Apr 26, 2013
    #105
  6. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    I have a feeling we may grab him. Then again, if olshey said we get our center draft night; then wouldn't that exclude him from the option?
     
    magnifier661, Apr 26, 2013
    #106
  7. Rhal

    Rhal Well-Known Member

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    I actually like the idea of getting Big Al but the reason he does good against opponents is his ability to put them in foul trouble not because he is a good defender. Having a great rim protector would be nice but until we can have our three guards/forwards do a better job of stopping penetration then were always going to have real problems with points in the paint. I would love a big and defensive minded center but I don't really see that as big possibility unless we trade for Sanders or Gortat on draft day.
     
    Rhal, Apr 26, 2013
    #107
  8. BigGameDamian

    BigGameDamian Well-Known Member

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    Gortat would probably be my first choice.
     
    BigGameDamian, Apr 26, 2013
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  9. Rhal

    Rhal Well-Known Member

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    I love that idea, i'v been touting it for awhile. I'd take our pick and turn it into Gortat if at all possible. #10 sounds pretty good for a rebuilding franchise that wants to cut costs and trade a disgruntled player.
     
    Rhal, Apr 26, 2013
    #109
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