[video]http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10344620[/video] I think Penn is right. You have to hand it to LA. When this team was initially built, he was slotted to play the third wheel behind Roy and GO. He seemed to be on a trajectory to be a second-tier, soft PF. Then they went down and left Aldridge with no one else. Every year since he's become the #1 option, he has improved his game and put more on his shoulders. Now that he has Lillard, Aldridge hasn't retreated back to his former role. Now, he not only scores, but rebounds really well. Now we have the luxury of two #1 options, which is incredible to see. I'm glad to see him getting some credit.
Might want to update your link. It's George Karl talking about how the Blazers are too jump shot oriented.
I was watching the Karl link when this one showed up. Actually, I just noticed the date of the video was 1/24/14. Regardless, I corrected the link. However, if possible, I'd like to delete the thread although I think Penn's point still stands.
Can't see the vid at the moment, but my vote is definitely for Griffin. He's balling with or without CP, and LA's inefficient game is beginning to bug me.
It amuses me that Blake's newfound offensive game comes as he expands his range to include the very jumpers LA gets admonished for.
Ditto. I also find it perplexing that those who call LMA's game "inefficient" seem to want him to play the "efficient" game of a Kevin Love...more under the basket and 3 point shots because those are more "efficient". They're missing the unique quality of LMA's mid-range game and what it means as the centerpiece of the Blazers' offense. It's the meat and potatoes that forces other teams into the difficult decision of whether to double him and open up 3 point attempts for the rest of the Blazers, or live with LMA getting 30 points off of their single coverage.
People also neglect that LA has shown the ability to back his guy up and shoot a short shot. However, that move actually makes him less effective because it allows the center to come over and give help. LA has a great low post game. In that sense, he's a lot like Sheed. Sheed could do it, but he was so good in the mid and long range game, it didn't make sense for him to play traditionally.
Not really. Blake has not only developed his jumper but also a post game, and isn't as reliant on CP setting him up now as he was before. LA gets admonished because he makes postmoves and takes stepback, fadeaway Js with guys in his grill so often (when he could easily drive in and get better looks or FTs).
He takes the fadeaways because he makes them. Did you diss on Jordan because the took turnaround fadeaways, too? He had the ability to drive the basket. Bottom line, it's a difficult shot, but it's impossible to block. If you can shoot it, it's preferable to a straight up shot.
Blazers currently have the 5th best record in the NBA - so that makes LMA the 5th best PF. On a more serious note. I thought LMA was the best player in his draft class and was over-joyed when we got him. In hindsight, I think I over-rated him, and that made it easy to become disillusioned with him. After under-rating him for a time, I like to think I have hit a happy medium.
Griffin has definitely stepped up his game this season. He was very underwhelming last year. I think the case could be made for LA, Love, or Griffin.
If Roy and Oden were here and healthy, we would be the Miami Heat of the west with him serving the Chris Bosh role. But, I don't think LA is the second option on this team. I think he is first and in the end, at least this years team is his. As time goes on, I think that will land in Lillards hands
Fuck griffin without kia he'd be a scrub. Lamarcus is an all star without super star calls and endorsement money. Recognize, son.
