I know that LaMarcus has had his ups and downs when it comes to appreciation from the fans. He's got to be one of the least talked about Blazers and yet he's one our most productive members. Sure, he doesn't put up the rebounding numbers of a Kevin Garnett or even a Carlos Boozer and he doesn't bang down low for points, but he's been one our consistent forces throughout the years. While guys like Roy, Przybilla and Oden take the spotlight due to their injuries and guys like Rudy complain about not fitting in... and guys like Cho, Pritchard and Durant take up the rest of the fans' attention, LaMarcus has been there as a strong component to this team. While he may have his shortcomings, I'm just thankful that he's been a guy that we can at least count on suiting up and averaging very respectable numbers. I've often seen him as an afterthought but haven't really taken the time to acknowledge him as a player. This is a time when we'll really need him to come through for us on both ends of the floor and I have high hopes that he can deliver. He may not be the super stud Karl Malone type power forward that everyone wishes he we had, but he's a damn good basketball player that has managed to stay on the court and out of trouble. With all that the team's been through over the last decade, I'll take these simple joys and run with them. Now's your time, LaMarcus.
No, you know what, keep him. And bring Anthony Randolph as his backup. He doesn't have a good enough backup!
I like his defense more this year. Much more active challenging shots, he appears to be doing a somewhat better job of guarding the post and he's getting to the foul line a bit more. I think the idea that he's ever going to be a star is over, but he's still getting a little bit better and that's good to see.
LaMarcus is so underappreciated and so underrated. I'm very glad he's on our team and would not want him traded. How many people average at least 18/8? Can't be that long of a list.
Kingspeed avatar... Andre looks like he should be on a very special episode of Sanford Meets Bastard Son STOMP
In the wake of the travails suffered by Roy and Oden, we should appreciate Aldridge's ability to go to work night in and night out. He's almost certainly never going to be a major star and might not even be an All-Star in his career, but he's a very good player who never misses games and that has a ton of value.
With Roy's gimpy knees, LaMarcus Aldridge may prove to be the best player out of the 2006 draft. He'd have to keep improving to overcome his best competition, which at this point look to be Rudy Gay and Rajon Rondo. It wasn't a great draft class, but Aldridge is developing into a solid, even above average, power forward in the NBA. He's saving the Blazers' bacon during this stretch, and ought to get a lot more recognition for it.
I think that if Roy's career flames out, Rondo is pretty clearly the best player from that draft. Aldridge would have to become much better to change that, and as he gets closer and closer to his athletic prime, that seems fairly unlikely.
Soldier indeed. The best thing about LMA other than his durability/consistency is that he can only get better, hasn't reached his ceiling.
Maybe he could turn out to be the 2nd best player from that draft? With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight I'd say thats not bad for the 2nd pick STOMP
Loving Aldridge at the moment. LOVING. He has been so good this year, should earn himself a bench spot in the all star game.
