Watching last night's game I saw two things that really stood out to me. Things that lead me to believe this is Aldridge's team and he's invested greatly with this team. 1.) In the fourth, he was calling for the ball. It wasn't just going with the flow, it was "give me the fucking ball and I am going to punish whomever is on me". A certain level of swag. 2.) When Batum got tangled up with Ibaka, Aldridge went right in Ibaka's face to defend his teammate. He looked like he was saying "hey fuck you man! Don't come at my brother like that or you are going to have to mess with me!" Aldridge from years ago had many complaints on how he would look away from altercations and would only attack when the coach asked him to. This game showed me that he is taking the initiative to lead his team and have everyone's back. So awesome to watch!
Aldridge also man boards in close games, and he had great help defense knowing westbrick was going to attack down the stretch. I too like enforcer aldridge, dont fuck with my boys god damnit. Aldridge made comments about past teams not having his back and people using him. The fact the he is protective over his teammates now really shows they are united and know they are all for one and one for all. Im really happy our guys are genuinely good guys that want to win.
Lamarcus and Ibaka were talking even before the whole Batum thing. They don't like each other much and the result is that Aldridge gets pissed and enters beast mode. So I guess a thanks is in order to Ibaka for being such an asshole. I think Aldridge has been a legit leader for some time now.
He started showing signs of this last season. A lot of this that you bring up above are some of the things that made him MVP material last season. His attitude change and how he came in last season esp after Quick's accusations about him being packed up and ready to leave Portland was noticeable. And he has been different ever since. Agree with KJ, it's his team.
That is the one guy that has the most access to the team for the Oregonian but seems to do the most damage and drama play. I just don't understand Jason Quick? He is a very talented writer but just can't seem to bring himself to simply report. Sometimes i just wish the Blazers would completely exclude the guy. Maybe i am wrong here because i don't know him and i have never even met the guy but i personally feel Quick's time here is long passed. Just My opinion so if you know him and know better feel free to let me have it.
I think it's all glitz and glamour for Jason. That's what he aims for. No, I don't think you're wrong about it.
he has always been a quiet leader type, not the rah rah type, but i think as it starts to mean more (as the season progresses) he is going to start to get a little more fired up. It also bodes well for the blazers the fact that when he DOES speak, everyone will listen. i think wes is the heart of the team, but LMA likely has the biggest voice when he chooses to use it.
Quicks an asshat. No other way to put it. He tries to be "edgy" and not pull punches but it just comes off like him being an arrogant prick. He tries to invent drama and its been hinted at that the Blazers players greatly dislike him. The only fan I can remember actually liking him was Rudy and Rudy was the biggest troll this forum has ever seen.
I like that he's taken the reigns of the team and shoulders the load for our success. I'm sure he's more outspoken and in the lockeroom than he was earlier in his career. That's just the natural progression of players, especially ones of his caliber.
I think with him starting and playing really well in the All-Star game his confidence is even higher. He's now starting to get the recognition from others around the league as one of...if not the best PF in the game and now the next step is to lead the Blazers in the playoffs and hopefully to an NBA championship.
