All net +/- stats for a team equal zero; its a meaningless stat. Durant and Ibaka have negative net +/- too.
Based on what they are asked to do, and what skills other teammates others bring to the table, I think Lamarcus would be more difficult to replace than Lillard. However, I also think that based on that logic, I might argue that Batum is more valuable to the team, based on current roster composition, than either DL or LA.
Mo has only played 32 minutes all year without Lillard and LMA (coincides with his time with Wright and TRob). The vast majority of the time (every minute but 32) Mo plays with the other 4 starters or with Lillard. Conversely, when Lillard isn't with the starters he is most often with 3+ bench players (including Mo)--all but 52 minutes. http://www.82games.com/1314/1314POR2.HTM The starters outscore the opposition by 11 points. With Mo in place of Lillard they outscore the opposition by 19 points.[/QUOTE] I grant that point.
I don't believe Mo is better than Lillard. But the unit with the second most minutes is with Mo in place of Damian and the team has surprisingly been more effective. I believe Aldridge is better than Lillard. Could you imagine a unit with TRob or Freeland in place of Aldridge for tons of minutes being just as effective as the starters? No way in hell.
If Lillard is the MVP and his production improved by the month, wouldn't the overall record show it? It looks to me like LMA is the clear MVP. The big factor, as you pointed out, is his newfound aggressiveness for rebounds. If Batum is truly running the team, then you should consider that big change in how the team is working and winning.
Not yet, but his time will come. Kobe had to buy his time with Shaq. Damian will buy his time with LA. This is LA's team. Someone said it above. The more Damian scores or has to score probably doesn't equate to the best of news for Portland. Interestingly if LA scores and I'm also going to throw rebounds in, a lot it usually means or at least it has meant this way this year, he is willing his team to victory with success.
I would think LaMarcus' apparent consistency game in and game out would make his case for MVP stronger, not weaker.
With Mo in the game, it's also likely the other team is sitting its' starting PG at that moment, if not other starters.
Lillard is my favorite player and I am generally biased for him. However, our #1 offense is based around a "post" player who attracts double teams (or is able to score if they don't). Currently that is LMA. If you were to substitute him for another player (say Robinson) then we'd have to change our offensive identity and we'd no longer be #1.
Instead of trying to figure out who is the best individual I'd like to compliment how well our starting 5 plays together.
The fact that we have two players on the MVP list is pretty damn amazing. Right now I'd say LA is still our best player and MVP, but Dame will catch him eventually (I think). Maybe not this year, maybe not next year, but I think Dame could go down as the best blazer of all time.
... Stop the insanity, it's obviously Aldridge. Don't need stats to tell me that. The NBA isn't a video game......................................................
