Article: What if the Raptors Drafted Aldridge

His offense was really predicated on athleticism, now he is much more of a jump shooter which he does fairly well. His defense is still top notch. He is still one of the best defensive pf around.

 

Not only to not have someone guard you, but it's pretty easy to rack up assists when you pass the ball the KG, Pierce, and Allen. Every time you pass the ball it's going to a great shooter.

 

If the Raptors would have drafted Aldridge, LA would have become a better player more quickly than he did with us. He would have become their starting center, which means he would have focused on bulking up and playing in the low post instead of working on his pick and pop game--that would been Bosh's area.

We've seen that Aldridge can add serious bulk without losing his speed. With someone like Calderon feeding him in the paint, he and Bosh would have been terrific together, and perhaps Bosh doesn't leave.

Thank you, Bryan Colangelo. Oh, and hugs and kisses to John Paxson as well. Thanks for the trade.

 

According to KP, Aldridge WAS the best player in that draft. Roy was the most NBA ready. I know Aldridge was no. 1 on my draft list. I whiffed on Roy though, he was only no. 6. At least I had him ahead of Stachey! :0

 

Yes, he doesn't look as dynamic, but he's still extremely productive and his defense is still tremendous, especially his team defense.

 

His shooting is his huge weakness, definitely, but he's elite at getting to the hoop. He undermines that a bit with his struggles at the line, but he also converts a lot of layups and the fouls on opponents have a lot of value. If he could shoot, he'd be a clear Hall of Fame talent. With his shooting problems, it remains to be seen whether he has a Hall of Fame career.

 

Which is why he was the #2 pick. KP was right about LMA; LMA was a project his first season who wasn't really even supposed to play much, at least according to what the Blazers were saying at the time.

 

Sad? If Aldridge in a couple of years is the consensus best player in the draft and Roy a really good player, maybe second best in the draft, I won't be sad. I'll be happy.

Man, some Blazers fans find weird things to be sad about.

 

I think the "sad" comment referred to Roy falling from "best in the draft" due to injury...not sad that Aldridge got better.

If Roy is better than Rondo long-term, the Blazers will be championship contenders. I don't see that as at all likely though.