Looking at Aldridge's stats, you would assume that he's become the best PF in the game, but stats aren't the only telling factor of greatness. The thing I've noticed since the playoff series with Houston last season, is Aldridge is taking on the "putting the team on his back" mode. The fact that he needed surgery, but decided to hold it off until off-season is a huge factor in leadership. During games, he's demanding the ball in clutch situations, usually taking it inside and putting pressure on the other team. Something he used to shy away from years ago. I think the Blazer fans should feel blessed that we have a player that leads by example. Someone that cares about winning and will be fine being the hero or the goat. I can't wait for the playoffs because I believe Aldridge has taken his game to an entirely different level right now. We are in good hands!
I could have swore you asked this same question just a month ago Mags Ill answer the way I answered it then. I think he started showing signs this and actually took the team by the horns if you will last season which is why he was in MVP contention most of the first half of the season before their slide in the second half.
I probably did bro, but I would rather have more positive spins like this than "Why is Lillard looking like a role player" or "The downward spiral of Leonard" threads
I'll say that he's definitely more vocal as a leader this season and even more so as Wes is out. Wes was the vocal guy before. LA has taken that on more and more now.
That's a damn good thing! I've noticed his confidence is at an all time high as well. He looks like a player that believes he's the best player on the floor. That goes a long way, especially when you have the talent to back it up.
lol. Understand Here is another question. If he is leading right now, how many are following and replicating his level of play at the moment and actually all year? Nic Batum? Damian Lillard? I don't know if these guys are on the same page as LA. He looks like he has direction. These other two don't. Not sure what that means but surely not a sign the two are following. Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't hinder the Blazers shot in resigning him in the off season. Because like you, I'm impressed with what he has become. Proud of the growth he has shown for the last two seasons. Whether if a sincere growth to help this franchise or its a growth more focused on his next contract. Only time will tell. Still like what I'm seein.
Can you explain that in terms of Damian Lillard? What do you mean that Dame doesn't have direction? Honest question, not trying to sound combative.
All I'm saying is he is not putting out the same level of play on the court the guy that is leading him. Whether if it's fatigue or something else. LA seems to understand you need to be playing a certain way on the court to get to where you want to. And Dame has not caught on to that. Whether if that's direction or soemthing else. LA appears to be playing for something. Dame looks like he is out there going through the motions. For this team to win a title. Damian Lillard and Nic Batum need to change what they are doing right now on the court. And change it more the direction LA is going.
Merge with this thread?? http://www.sportstwo.com/threads/is-aldridge-finally-becoming-a-legit-leader.280552/
Playing through his injury tells me he thinks we can win the championship this year. That is not lost on the team.
That's what I was thinking. Yes he's the leader. No this isn't sudden or new. Although it could be argued he's taken his leadership to yet a higher level than before.
I think he only needs one player to get with him in the same mind set, going into lock down mode, we can do it now! One more with him in that zone and they would take the entire team into their space and they would have it!
Without trying to come across as snide, could I ask you to be more specific? I mean every player/fan/whatever wishes they'd never miss a shot or commit a turnover. I really hope that's not what you're referring to.
Other then Damian "pressing" too much at times I don't see what OLTL is saying either. I don't see pouting. That is just Dame's look. Pressing? Sure. Pouting? No.
Lets do it! Or you can bump that thread and have more "positive threads" about our players than the multiple threads of how our players suck
LaMarcus showed me he was ready to be this team's leader when he told management what he wanted them to do in order for him to want to stay, they did what he wanted him to do, and he is doing what he said he'd do.
