LMA: 2011 All-Star?
by LaoTzu on Aug 24, 2010 10:54 PM PDT
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PrintAmar'e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer joined Garnett out East. So with two spots open it seems like it should be that much easier for LaMarcus Aldridge to make his first Western Conference All-Star appearance in 2011. Just how close is he?
NBA All-Star Rosters have 15 players from each conference. In 2010, depending how you count them, seven of the Western Conference All-Stars were Forwards, and seven were Guards, with Chris Kaman off the bench as the token big dumb white guy.
Western Conference All-Star Forwards 2006-2011
|
2011 |
2010 |
2009 |
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
|
[Duncan] |
Duncan |
Duncan |
Duncan |
Duncan |
Duncan |
|
[Nowitzki] |
Nowitzki |
Nowitzki |
Nowitzki |
Nowitzki |
Nowitzki |
|
-- |
Stoudemire |
Stoudemire |
Stoudemire |
Stoudemire |
-- |
|
[Carmello] |
Carmello |
(injury) |
Carmello |
Carmello |
-- |
|
[Durant] |
Durant |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
? |
Z-Bo |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
[Gasol] |
P. Gasol |
P. Gasol |
-- |
-- |
P. Gasol |
|
-- |
-- |
-- |
Boozer |
-- |
-- |
|
? |
-- |
D. West |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Garnett |
Garnett |
|
? |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Marion |
Marion |
|
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
T-Mac |
[Note: Stoudemire, Duncan and Gasol are frequently listed as Centers]
Barring injury or a trade sending Carmello Anthony to the East, it's still safe to pencil in Duncan, Nowitzki, Durant, Gasol and Carmello, right up front. That's five. Who else got close in the voting?
2010 All Star Voting: Final Tallies
Western Conference Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 2,137,560; Tim Duncan (SA) 1,156,696; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 1,093,005; Pau Gasol (LAL) 1,051,784; Kevin Durant (OKC) 870,567; Trevor Ariza (Hou) 645,937; Luis Scola (Hou) 580,243; Ron Artest (LAL) 368,281; Shawn Marion (Dal) 363,516; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 309,497.
Non-all-star forwards Scola, Artest and Ariza all received more votes than the Blazers' Aldridge. For comparison, B-Roy also finished 10th in the West at his position, receiving a slightly more respectable 422,290 votes among Guards. The obvious deduction? It is unlikely a player from Portland will be voted in--except perhaps for a dominant Greg Oden. Unless things improve for Roy, Portland players will get its players in at the behest of the coaches. And unless the Blazers are leading the West, it will be difficult for the coaches to seed two players from Portand.
Having skipped a year, Phil Jackson is again eligible to coach the All-Star game in 2011. If the Blazers are leading at the end of all-star voting, Nate will coach the West. Then, besides whoever the coaches select, the Blazers' coach might feel generous and fill an optional slot with another Blazer or two. Still, Sarge being Sarge, and with LaMarcus skipping Worlds, his play will need to be good enough to justify his selection.
The make-up of All-star rosters can shift. For information, here are the tallies for Centers.
2010 All-Star Voting for Western Conference Centers: Amar'e Stoudemire (Pho) 1,824,093; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 981,355; Nene (Den) 364,543; Marc Gasol (Mem) 353,155; Antonio McDyess (SA) 328,717; Al Jefferson (Min) 252,777; Greg Oden (Por) 225,245; Marcus Camby (LAC) 188,240; Emeka Okafor (NO) 182,626; Andris Biedrins (GS) 167,481.
Yao is back, and a billion Chinese can't be wrong. Otherwise, it might seem that Bynum, if healthy, would be a shoe-in at Center. But Duncan and even Gasol might be listed at center. And Greg Oden, who finished 7th(!) while playing a shortened 2010 season, could beast his way toward the top.
There might be as many as three centers selected this year for the West. If only two are selected, depending how you count the C/Fs like Duncan, that leaves leaves maybe 6 or 7 slots for forwards.That means roughly 1-3 slots for forwards that we haven't already pencilled in.
David Lee moved to the West. Expected to be a lynchpin in Golden State's uptempo game, Lee could easily take away a big man slot. And if Zach Randolph continues to fill up the stat sheet, he could stay on top for another year. If Aldridge wants that all-star nod, he must improve. Not only must he improve, he's got to improve dramatically.
Several factors impact LMA's chances at becoming an all-star in Portland. This is a small market. That effects not only potential votes, but perception. Making visibility even more of a problem, Portland is on the West Coast. Fans in the East are likely to skip games that start at 10 or 10:30 EST. And we don't play Sunday morning or afternoon games this season. To earn that roster spot, LMA will have to change perceptions. Fans and coaches out East have less opportunity and reason to watch Blazer games; that means even less opportunities to change those perceptions. LaMarcus has got to make a real splash.
Portland's slow pace means less shots to go around. With the return of Greg Oden, a healthy B-Roy, and a surging Nic Batum, Aldridge should see less usage in the offense, translating to a lower points per game average. With Oden, Camby, and Joel gobbling up misses, LMA will also find it difficult to significantly increase his rebound numbers--especially when he's leaking out on the break.
Portland has a number of solid young players. Oden is back and and Nic Batum has received strong mention among NBA SFs. Being one of many can confound voting among fans and among the coaches. But if Aldridge can maintain the #2 spot in the offense on a fiery young team, that might instead tend to showcase him.
LMA will need to improve his play to continue to stand out in this talented crowd. I doubt that improvement will come from improved shooting. With the muscle he has added, I hope the improvement he shows will be down on the block.
Selection is often considered a numbers game. So here are the numbers.
Forwards: 2009-'10 Season and Career averages (per game)
|
|
2010 Pts |
Rbs |
Asts |
Avg Pts |
Avg Rbs |
Avg Asts |
|
Aldridge |
17.9 |
8.0 |
2.1 |
16.0 |
7.1 |
1.6 |
|
Anthony |
28.2 |
6.6 |
3.2 |
24.7 |
6.2 |
3.1 |
|
Ariza |
14.9 |
5.6 |
3.8 |
8.4 |
4.1 |
2.7 |
|
Artest |
11.0 |
4.3 |
3.0 |
15.5 |
5.0 |
3.2 |
|
Batum |
10.1 |
3.8 |
1.2 |
6.9 |
3.1 |
1.0 |
|
C. Butler |
16.3 |
6.2 |
2.1 |
16.6 |
6.0 |
2.9 |
|
Duncan |
25.0 |
7.7 |
2.7 |
22.9 |
8.5 |
2.7 |
|
Durant |
30.1 |
7.6 |
2.8 |
25.3 |
6.2 |
2.7 |
|
Pau Gasol |
18.3 |
11.3 |
3.4 |
18.8 |
9.0 |
3.2 |
|
19.6 |
5.9 |
1.9 |
17.4 |
5.5 |
1.7 |
|
|
15.1 |
6.0 |
1.6 |
14.0 |
5.8 |
1.7 |
|
|
Jefferson |
17.1 |
9.3 |
1.8 |
15.3 |
8.7 |
1.2 |
|
Harrington |
17.7 |
5.6 |
1.5 |
14.1 |
5.8 |
1.8 |
|
C. Landry |
16.8 |
5.8 |
0.8 |
12.2 |
5.3 |
0.7 |
|
D. Lee |
20.2 |
11.7 |
3.6 |
13.0 |
9.6 |
1.9 |
|
K. Love |
14.0 |
7.2 |
2.3 |
12.3 |
6.3 |
1.6 |
|
S. Marion |
16.2 |
8.6 |
2.1 |
13.1 |
7.9 |
1.6 |
|
K. Martin |
11.5 |
9.4 |
1.9 |
13.9 |
7.3 |
2.1 |
|
Nowitzki |
25.0 |
7.7 |
2.7 |
22.9 |
8.5 |
2.7 |
|
Odom |
10.8 |
9.8 |
3.3 |
14.6 |
8.9 |
4.1 |
|
Okafur |
10.4 |
9.0 |
0.7 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
M. Okur |
13.5 |
7.1 |
1.6 |
13.9 |
7.2 |
1.7 |
|
Randolph |
20.8 |
11.7 |
1.8 |
17.3 |
8.8 |
1.7 |
|
Scola |
16.2 |
8.6 |
2.1 |
13.1 |
7.9 |
1.6 |
|
Thompson |
12.5 |
8.5 |
1.7 |
11.8 |
7.9 |
1.4 |
|
D. West |
19.0 |
7.5 |
3.0 |
16.0 |
7.2 |
11.9 |
|
Williams |
15.2 |
4.6 |
2.8 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
Blake Griffon and Tiago Splitter project as good rookie big men out West, but they would need a few phenomenal months to make the 2011 all-star team. Other notable Western Conference rookie forwards include Demarcus Cousins, Epke Udoh, and Al Farouq Aminu.
LMA's numbers are solid. We can parse numbers all day, but in the end I think what we'll prove is that solid is not good enough for a player looking to surface out of a still strong pool of candidates. A look at the numbers does tell you, that except for Z-Bo, all-star forwards involve others in the flow of the offense. So besides scoring in the paint and rebounding, LMA would do well to pass quickly out of the double team, find the open man, and feed the post.
Defense is harder to quantify, but LMA is not considered a defensive standout. With questions about his strength and his ability to hold off wide bodies, he is seen as a questionable post defender. Improvement on the defensive end can only help his case. With his length, and playing along Camby who shares his high center of gravity, LMA might be capable of developing a healthy appetite for rejections.
Speaking of healthy, in 2010 LMA held down the fort, contributing strongly to a 50 win season. He was forced to play out of position most fo the season. And with the Blazers having few other viable offensive options, defenses were able to key on him. So, while some see him as an underachiever--possibly even as having hit his plateau--in many ways, it is impressive that Aldridge was able to keep his numbers steady through last season.
When Camby came to Portland, Aldridge again performed better at his natural PF position. He has good length and long arms, and is fast for a big man. I can only imagine that playing PF alongside a natural post player like Greg Oden will help his efficiency, if not necessarily his net production.
As a quiet assassin, Aldridge's consistent production rarely makes highlight footage. Dependability is nice for Portland's fans and coaching staff. But if he wants that all-star nod, Aldridge needs to add an element of drama to his game. What Portland fans have been missing is what the media and league fans outside Portland have also wanted to see from him. Something I want to call Heart.
I trust that LaMarcus is playing with effort. But I want to see it. I want to see Aldridge play his heart out. I want to see more than a gifted athlete playing to the potential of his body. I want to see him fight for rebounds. I want to see him wage battle, not only with that sweet midrange game, but down in the paint. I want to see him play with intelligence, hitting Oden when the double comes, like a fish in water. I want it all.
I want LaMarcus Aldridge to prove to me what I wanted to believe all along. That he is an all-star.
107 comments
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11 recs |
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Comments
I voted no based on a gut feeling. I think he will improve, but Blazers team success will have to be huge for
Portland to have two all stars. How is he suppose to beat out Gasol. The hype for Gasol is going to be huge when the Fakers play the LeBail and the Heat.
Me too. I would love to see him make the all-star game, but it's hust a gut feeling I have.
"What people need to know is that those pictures were taken a year and a half ago, and I've grown since then." - Greg Oden
by dario argento on Aug 25, 2010 7:25 AM PDT up reply actions
I also would love to see a bit more from LMA
LaMarcus has so much ability, and he has the offensive game to reach that hallowed All-Star level.
I love his head-held-high, chest-out run when he knows he just schooled someone on the offensive end. It would be so good for him— and the Trail Blazers—if he could learn to beast a bit more to punish the defense, pass to the rotating shooter who’s there to give him an outlet, and really hit the offensive boards with a vengeance.
So I voted yes. I’m an optimist. I think LMA has reached an age, and a body, and a brainset, that could portend a monster emerging in the Western Conference.
But I’m a fan. A realist could argue all the other sides of the question.
by FlyingOutlaw on Aug 24, 2010 11:40 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I voted yes...
Just because I’m a homer, but I think he has the potential. 18 ppg and 8 rpg ain’t that bad, so if he manages to improve even a little this season it’s not outside the realm of possibility for him to be reserve on the west squad this year. I also heard a rumor he put on 20 pounds this summer, but I don’t have a link….
I really have no idea. I hope Bayno is right and LMA will destroy this year.
Great, intelligent work. REC.
I suppose it can only be either Greg or LaMarcus as the second all-star out of Portland
"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban
Win a championship and then start the next year on a 50-10 pace, and we get 3 all-star slots that year.
Matty Walker: You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man. - Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 25, 2010 1:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
yep
all-stars reputations are “made” during the playoffs, not during the regular season
unless you’re a singular talent like Roy. Or from China
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I seriously doubt it. LMA hasn't improved much in the past, and the older he gets the less likely improvement becomes.
Nice write up though, rec.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
based on expectations i had of la when we drafted him
and based on boozer and amare leaving….i’ll be incredibly disappointed if he doesnt become an all star. however, his lack of improvement last year makes me think that he wont become an all star.
"It's not the dress that makes you look fat, its the fat that makes you look fat!" ~Al Bundy
"Did they really expect me to bow down to Jesus?!?" ~Sophia
"At first glance, I saw a fairly unremarkable penis." ~Sophia on Greg Oden
Wow, I came in expecting another of the
“this is LaMarcus’s year to make the AS team” posts that seem to come around before every season, but well done, LT.
Kind of sad that, even with 2 guys who were basically perennial picks leaving, and his older doppelganger David West pretty much falling off the map, LA’s all star chances still look pretty bleak.
Also, your Splitter-Griffin point just illustrates something that people have been ignoring when they talk about AS spots opening up when Duncan/Dirk/Pau get old and retire. The league isn’t static, and there are always elite new bigs coming in to take their places. LA simply isn’t one of the true elites right now, so until he improves, there will always be younger guys like Durant, Griffin, or whoever ready to jump into any vacated all star spot.
#52
"[Aldridge's] older doppelganger David West pretty much falling off the map," you wrote.
That’s why I wouldn’t give any weight to an All-Star appearance by LMA — who I contend has plateaued — because David West didn’t magically become anything more than an okay, yet certainly not great player due to being a two-time All-Star. See, getting selected to be an All-Star has no on-court impact whatsoever when it comes to the real games.
There is the "play" and then there is the "politics."
I think there is a decent chance that LMA will play well enough to deserve an All-Star spot.
I expect him to make noticeable improvement on the defensive end. Playing his natural position and playing next to GO and Camby is going to help him, as will the additional strength and mass. On the offensive end, I expect a modest increase in the number of low post buckets, but i don’t think his scoring is likely to improve dramatically because I expect his usage% to fall slightly with the return of Oden and the emergence of Batum. I expect him to post an improvement in TS% because I expect him to get to the line a bit more, shoot an increased percentage of his shots close to the rim and have to face fewer double teams because of the presence of Oden.
In terms of rebounding, I expect better effort and better technique, but not a significant increase in numbers, because Oden and Camby are going to grab the lion’s share of the boards.
In summary, I expect better performance and improved efficiency without a dramatic improvement in his numbers. From a team perspective, this is exactly what we need from LMA. However, he isn’t going to get much love from the voters. His only chance is to be selected as a reserve, and that is unlikely to happen unless the team gets off to an extremely hot start.
I think the most likely scenario is that LMA will have to wait one more year. If the Blazers make a deep playoff run next spring, they will have a whole lot more visibility among fans and a lot more attention from the national media. Its possible that Greg will be the one who gets most of the increased recognition, and he may become the Blazer’s second All-Star, which will make it even harder for LMA to get the recognition he will deserve. The bottom line is that winning will equate into greater respect.
by upper left corner on Aug 25, 2010 8:12 AM PDT reply actions
PS. Nice post LaoTzu, rec'ed.
Just curious how did you create the table? Does the Fanpost page allow you to create it, or did you have to make it in an outside program and then import it? I realize this is probably a stupid question, but I am not the most tech savvy guy. Side effect of being middle aged.
by upper left corner on Aug 25, 2010 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks
I couldn’t find what I needed, so I simply built tables in Linux’ word processor and copied them in. I am middle-aged myself. I use computers at work, and have to make that work, but I never feel like I have the bells and whistles at my fingertips. I just make it work.
In KP I trusted!
by LaoTzu on Aug 25, 2010 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Excellent observations, ULC
I think you’re right on the money.
No unless
The Blazers just dominate the west. Roy is a better player than LMA and to be 10th in voting is rudyculous when you are considered 3rd in the league at your position.
Oden has a better chance of making the All-Star game than Aldridge. I think to get 2 players to the game you have to be a dominate small market team. The national media has to pay attention to you. They have to talk about how great your team is more than they talk about what LeBron was wearing on the way to the Heat game.
If what I just commented turns out to be wrong, please delete from all memory.
LMA makes it
if the Blazers have the best record in the west at the all-star break. Nate would be the coach and Roy, LMA, and possible GO would go. If they don’t lead the west only Roy will make it. That being said I voted no.
PGs are also guards
The fact that Roy comes in at 10th in voting for guards has a lot to do with how many excellent PGs play in the western conference. But I agree that it’s still too low.
I hope, it would be nice if the Blazers got a little more exposure....
on a different note… does any one know if the players are coming back early to play together before training camp like they did a couple of years ago when Brandon called them in early?
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
Bill Bayno said Brandon has called everyone to report on Aug 30 (next Monday).
It will be interesting to see who doesn’t show up other than Joel, Oden, Batum, and Rudy.
Matty Walker: You're not too smart, are you? I like that in a man. - Body Heat (1981)
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Aug 25, 2010 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions
They're coming to the PF next week
Roy rounded them up during the summer. We’ll see who doesn’t show
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
LA will get better if Oden is playing
too bad Oden playing a full healthy season will make him an allstar and LA will stil be on the outside looking in. No way 3 blazers are on the ALL star team this year
#88
Even IF LMA attempted to expand his game this off-season...
[just as the OP said] his opportunities and load should lessen due to a healthy If ‘Some call me Greg’ Oden + Batum.
Small Market + Less Opportunities = No All Star status for LMA this year.
Treat people well because Karma can hit you at any second.
I think he will make it
because Duncan will probably not make it this year. Duncan just isn’t he who used to be, which is okay because even a shell of his former dominance makes him better than many players.
I see it shaking out as Gasol, Nowitzki, Melo, Aldridge as the four forwards. I think GO and Camby will draw double teams off LMA and get him more clean looks to the basket. His workout report is also encouraging.
That's true, but I don't see him taking the spot from Nowitzki.
D Lee will have vastly superior numbers as well, if Roy and Oden get in, I don’t see LMA getting it over D Lee. Also, even if Duncan falls off, I wouldn’t be surprised if Duncan would still get voted in by the coaches anyway.
Portland could coast along with their superior talent and stay right with us. Now that Portland woke up, the hammer cometh down.
Bayless > Daffy Duck after 3 cans of rockstar
by Batumshakalaka on Aug 25, 2010 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I tend to lean in seasnake's direction
I think this may be a hard year on Duncan’s health which leaves one spot open to another big to go with Dirk and Pau. There are at most 4 canidates for that spot. Zbo, D. Lee, D. West and Lma. Both Lee and Zbo have the same potential problem, being the best player on a sucky team. Last year Zbo got in because Memphis was not the suckfest as predicted at the start of the season (ah, if only AI had played for them). I don’t see Lee making a huge splash with the Warriors in the west. Does NO reclaim its position of two years ago than maybe west gets a shot. Lma may get a nod if the Blazers take it to the next level as we all hoped last year.
If the final event happens, then LMa’s biggest competion will be Greg. Who do you think coaches would value more. I’d pick Greg. But its a catch 22, Greg get will get good looks because of playing beside Lma means he won’t get doubles and the same will be true for Lma.
The other dark horse canidates will come from Denver in either Nene or Martin. I don’t see Hedo bringing it in Phoenix. Though he should be better than last season as Hedo fills the old role of Marion (3-baller and slasher).
If Aldridge makes the all-star team
Then that makes me think Oden will not have enough of an impact up to that point. I don’t see how Aldridge’s numbers will improve if Oden is playing and getting the touches he needs. Plus Camby’s addition and playing time will also naturally cut down on his production. To me Aldridge making the All Star team this year isn’t a good thing for the team’s development.
I would rather Greg get involved, stay on the court (cut down on fouls) then Aldridge make the All Star team. Then next year when we are a dominant team (crosses fingers) and Aldridge is a key cog along with Oden, then we can have three All-Stars and all will be well in the world.
#52
by blazermaniac32 on Aug 25, 2010 11:26 AM PDT reply actions
Who's with me
that All-NBA team >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> All Star?
I couldn’t care less about whether a player is an All-Star or not—but if they make an All-NBA team, that’s something.
by jamon51 on Aug 25, 2010 12:13 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Not sure how much I care about All NBA
but definitely put it much, much higher than All-Star
I'm a really really ridiculously good looking orange mocha frappaccino drinking manhammer sandwich
It's worth a lot more
Most of that comes from there being 15 spots instead of 12, and because there’s no fan voting (no injured Yao, no perennial AI, etc).
Still suffers from some of the same misperceptions though (ie good teams are favored).
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
"Chris Kaman off the bench as the token big dumb white guy."
Congratulations, you managed to combine an insulting stereotypye with a racist slur and an insult of Chris Kaman all in one ignorant statement.
by MiledAnimal on Aug 25, 2010 1:26 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Thanks
I didn’t know I had it in me.
In KP I trusted!
by LaoTzu on Aug 25, 2010 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
If LMA makes the All Star team
it will be as the 3rd Blazer rep – cuz it will also mean that Roy and Oden are already in on the strength of the #1 or #2 record in the West and dominant numbers at the position.
Roy being the top shooting guard in the West is as likely as Oden being the top center in the West (as in – most likely). Aldridge won’t be the top PF in the West until Nowitzki and Duncan slow down (which could happen this year) and he overtakes Randolph (which won’t be that difficult if you consider the all around games)…..
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
I don't think it is possible for the blazers to get 3 players into the ASG
unless they are the #1 seed in the west.
If we have 3 AS level players on our team, then we should theoretically have a better record than a Laker team with just two AS level players in Kobe/Gasol. But if the Lakers have a better record than us, then they must have a 3rd AS level player, (probably Bynum), and I just don’t see the blazers getting 3 players as the 2 when the Lakers get only 2 as the #1 seed. Thus, they would get 3 players, and I don’t think it has ever happened that either conference has had two teams give them 3 players each. Thus we would get 2, and the Lakers would get 3.
by premthegrem on Aug 26, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
If its ever going to happen
now is the time. The competition at PF in the west is as low as it’ll probably ever be for LMA.
The only PF that is CLEARLY better is Nowitzki and the quasi center/PFs of Gasol and Duncan.
I think his most direct competition will come from Landry, Scola, Love, and Stat-Bo.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
David Lee, Al Jefferson, Kevin Love
I think those guys are going to be LMA’s main competition. David Lee is a virtual lock given he’s a fan of coaches and made the team last year. Al Jeff gets to play with a real PG for the first time in his life and Kevin Love is The Man in Minnesota now.
Kevin Love SHOULD be The Man in Minnesota
But last season he was losing minutes to Darko because apparently Kurt Rambis isn’t too bright.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Blake Griffin?
The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct
by leeroyjenkins on Aug 31, 2010 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe
44% of people put “yes” and that seems about accurate. LA probably makes it if the Blazers lead the division by the all-star break. Whether or not Carmelo is still playing in the West will be a huge factor though. The way I see it, Paul, Kobe, Melo, Durant, Yao, Duncan, Dirk, Roy, Deron and Pau are locks, leaving 2+ slots open (in case of injury or trade). This leaves him competing with the likes of ’Reke, Z-Bo, Nash, Oden and Lee among others for wild card slots.
LMA’s been a fringe all-star his whole career. If he improves, it won’t show in his raw stats. Hopefully adding Oden can turn his 18-8 on 50% shooting into 17-7 on 55% shooting.
Starting a rumor here and now
Not many people know that Aldridge’s birth name was actually Xiaolong, but they Americanized it when they moved here from Chengdu.
That ought to make him an all-star.
by Kaboomm on Aug 25, 2010 4:20 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs
genius
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
This is a very good writeup
I don’t think LMA has the toughness to be an All-Star. He probably won’t get more than 18-8, and he isn’t that good of a defender. He’s a serviceable second option or a good third option…that isn’t what you look for in an All-Star.
the most underrated part of LMA's game is his defense
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Aug 25, 2010 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions
his perimeter defense is pretty good
his post d and help d are mediocre at best. He blocks fewer shots every year.
So he does okay in our switch-everything system, but overall I wouldn’t call him anything more than average on D.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
underwhelming, maybe
I think it’s “rated” about right where it should be. For a guy who has such quick feet out on the perimeter, he sure doesn’t move them very effectively when defending the post. Better footwork and technique is required, all I can hope is that Buck can teach him this, but it’s hard to predict because Williams has never coached big men, other than perhaps at camps/clinics
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
That may be, but it's not very underrated at all imo
LMA’s got some quickness, but that alone doesn’t get ’er done. He seems terrified to touch people.
The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct
by leeroyjenkins on Aug 31, 2010 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
"He seems terrified to touch people"
Not exactly what you want to read on a power forward’s scouting report! In LMA’s case, I think that’s an exaggeration. But it’s a great line, nonetheless. Kudos.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
Chris Kaman had an atrocious offensive rating of 99 (and 0.0 offensive win shares) and was an all-star last year (albeit an injury replacement, but still!), Magloire made the ASG averaging 13-10. Sheed made the team (as a replacement) averaging 13-6 a couple years back. If Aldridge wanted to, he could up his averages to 22-9, but that would be to the detriment of the team. What you percieve as a lack of “toughness” is him not being a ball-hogging turd like Kaman.
If the Blazers are #1, he’ll probably make it. Just like Mo Williams and Ra$hard in 2009, Sheed in 06 and Sheed in 08.
aldridge needs to find defensive intensity somewhere
and that would dramatically improve his all star chances. for someone so long and agile, it seems defense could/should come easily. so many games it seems he just doesn’t really care about making the effort.
in the west, lma doesnt have the skills to make the allstar team solely as an offensive player.
If this happens, AK1984 should hold up an "I LOVE LMA" sign at a Blazers game
…while wearing a pink bikini.
Having said that…I could care less about Blazers making the all-star team. Zach Randolph was obsessed with making the all-star team, and he played like it: padding his offensive stats at the expense of team play.
Great teams are NOT collections of gunners, and, with just a few token exceptions each season, NBA all-stars are gunners. The NBA championship team would beat that season’s all-star team every single time.
I’d be happy with LMA if his ‘10-’11 stats were roughly similar to last season’s, but with improved intangibles.
It’s about wins & losses, folks. All-star game appearances are kids’ stuff—exercises in vanity for selfish players. Yes, every team needs a go-to guy whose role is to fill it up. But the Blazers already have that guy in Brandon Roy. LMA, GO, Batum, et al don’t need to be on no stinking all-star team. They just need to help the team win.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
It’s about wins & losses, folks.
It’s about how far the team advances in the post season. Regular season is just the play-in. If you shine brightly in May you should receive strong consideration for the all-star game the next Feb. There should be no “shortcuts” for this (like Chinese ballot stuffing, etc)
Yes, regular season consistency is important, but there are a lot of stat stuffers (looking at you, Z-bo) who should never garner individual honors. That just cheapens the awards for the real difference-makers
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Yes, for an all-star selection to mean much, it would have to be weighted towards playoff performance
But also: fans would have to be eliminated from the selection process entirely.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
Fans would have to be eliminated from the selection process entirely.
Are you saying that I can’t vote in Marko Jaric on the off chance that I might be able to sit near Adriana Lima during the ASG? &^#$&!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by premthegrem on Aug 26, 2010 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions
No worries, premthegrem
I suspect the coaches would vote in Jaric based on the same criterion.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
The idea of the ASG is great.
It provides motivation and drives these players to perform at the highest level they possibly can, because when you are good enough to compete for an AS berth, you probably aren’t in it for the money (since you probably already have, or are going receive, a fat contract), Most of them are in it for the prestige. Ideally these players would perform to their potential, which in turn would help their teams succeed. Unfortunately, the concept of “substance over style” has gone out of fashion.
/end rant.
by premthegrem on Aug 26, 2010 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions
If David West can make the All-Star team twice, then LMA might make it once.
That doesn’t change my opinion on either one of them as overrated players, however.
Of course, you're right
That is, an all-star nod doesn’t necessarily mean a basketball player is great. I’ve said as much in this thread. Still, if LMA becomes an all-star, I think you should have to hold the sign while wearing the pink bikini. Just on general principles.
Because, really, nothing LMA could do—including teaming with GO, Camby, & Przy to whip the Lakers’ feared front line & win a Blazers championship—would persuade you that he’s not a bum. OK, maybe you’d relent if LMA picked up Dwight Howard and slammed him thru the hoop.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
Glad someone said this
I agree about the all star considerations …who cares?….. and I picked this sentence to quote
I’d be happy with LMA if his ‘10-’11 stats were roughly similar to last season’s, but with improved intangiblesthe part about the “improved intangibles” stands out because in this world of computers and analytical reasoning, intangibles often go unnoticed. Lets not say unnoticed…lets just say ignored altogether…intangibles are huge when you are talking about team sports. They are the heart and sole of how your team functions as a unit.
All star status is what it is…a showcase of individual star players who often can play without the other four guys. (or at least one other guy to set a screen or pass you the ball) Of course it is an honor to be considered the best of the best, but it should never take control over your real purpose as an effective element of a 5 man (home) team. After all, this is your primary job and is the reason why it doesn’t bother me when a player says no thanks when it comes to assembling a unit of all stars at any level.
I might even go one step farther and make the statement that soon the “elite” players will be going to 4 to 6 teams of their choosing and reinventing the NBA into something entirely different than it is today..This latest trend could be the start of a new “World League” that will give the players all the control and make it even harder for small market franchises to compete.
Speculative scenario? yes I guess it is…but never-the-less not that far reaching when you get this kind of collaboration from your top athletes. Sadly, our society actually encourages and is quite willing to showcase (ESPN) all this selfishness. Money, greed, power….and the big picture.
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
That's a grim scenario
The good news: it might not pan out as most would envision. The Miami Heat this season will be the test case. If they aren’t successful, other stars will think twice about following their lead.
Personally, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the Heat flop. After all, didn’t the “Redeem Team” barely beat the Spanish national team in the last Olympics? Even when gunners like LeBron, Wade, Kobe, et al TRY to play other roles (as those guys certainly did vs Spain), they struggle. That’s because setting picks, passing, blocking out, defending, etc. are skills that “role players” have spent their careers mastering. A lifetime gunner ain’t going to pick up those skills over night, no matter how athletically gifted he is.
Sure, the Heat will make the playoffs (assuming they avoid key injuries). But I don’t expect them to dominate like so many folks do. And I’ll be very surprised if they beat top teams like the Celtics & Lakers in the playoffs.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
by hurryup09 on Aug 27, 2010 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well lets just say there are a lot of selfish star players in the NBA
It breeds itself further from fan and media ‘fertilizer" ….It’s not so much I believe that the Heat has guaranteed themselves an instant championship…too many teams will bust their butts to to prove otherwise…..Any well rounded , fundamentally sound, team that can play defense will make life difficult for them.
But clearly when you mold “dream teams” you are attempting to gain an advantage that puts the odds on your side. The selfish players realize that if they surround themselves with other stars they don’t have to work as hard, because it transfers the on the ball pressure to others off the ball.
It can also create a juggernaut, of sorts, by further attracting players (be they stars or role players) and coaches…who all want to be part of the fame and fortune. You know that Spoelstra’s seat is a lot hotter and could become a victim sooner or later. In other words they won’t fire all these proven stars.
You mentioned Boston and LA…but these teams are large market and will attract star players and coaches. They have their own nucleus of all stars as it is.
I realize that the NBA has been pretty decent at trying their best to keep the playing field as even as possible, but you simply cannot stop the money flow. The league needs these stars and the large market franchises to survive. (if they want to be the best basketball league in the world)…
The reason I mentioned "World League’ is because we all know that the US and all other nations are economically tied together. They depend on each other entirely, to keep their economies intact no matter how much they tend to be self serving. We have found out recently just how delicateintertwined that balance is…so once you mess with that balance, be it unintentional, calculated, or even an outright gamble, you open the door for many of the more far reaching and widespread scenarios.
Bottom line is the very fact that these players wish to be at the top of the food chain and under the glittering lights of fame. There are no loyalties to cities, fans, or their "lesser’ teammates. Lebron James is the most extreme case of self serving entity in the NBA to date. He claims it’s his privilege and I guess it could be…..But sacrificing integrity for a chance at claiming his spot as “King” carries no weight of conscience to arrogant people. Sadly it gets promoted and essentially gets little meaningful challenge from the public or media.
Of course I would still be speculating, but what is the fate of New Orleans and Denver now that Anthony and Paul will be setting sail soon? I think this trend is real enough to warrant concern for small markets in an “elite” NBA (I’m older generation, so probably not in my lifetime)
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
Good points
I share your concern. I just see some reason for hope. As mentioned above, “all-star” teams lack cohesion; basketball is a team game. And LeBron James, in particular, has repeatedly shown that he lacks the character needed to tough it out when things aren’t going his way.
Winning championships is HARD. Even the Jordan/Pippen/Grant teams had to dig deep—and get some breaks—to win their titles. No matter HOW loaded your team is, it can fracture and become vulnerable in the playoff crucible if its character is flawed. Remember the “unbeatable” 76er team that the upstart Blazers defeated in ’77? More recently, remember the “Jailblazer” squad that fell apart in crunch time vs the Lakers in the WCF?
Yes, the have-nots of the NBA—now to include the Nuggets & Hornets—are increasingly getting marginalized. But that doesn’t mean the “super-teams” are shoe-ins. A Heat floperoo this season may encourage some stars to stay the course and stick with the teams that drafted them.
Hope springs eternal…
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
In both cases it depends a ton on the new CBA.
Do Bird Rights continue? Do contracts become partially guaranteed? Does a ‘franchise player’ tag a la the NFL get built in?
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
The CBA
will be interesting to say the least…sadly, the NBA needs to put in rules to protect owners from themselves. It’s clearly a money(free enterprise) thing vs competitive play and league balance.
My personal opinion is that the NBA will be none other than a mediator between owners vs owners with the players (understanding they hold all the cards to the success of the league) as assets for the big spenders.
In other words, the NBA is simply a platform for getting top quality basketball entertainment to the public. The owners and players will set the rules and the public will determine how it succeeds or fails. A lockout could be considered the by-product of an entrenched system that has no short term solutions. So since many owners (behind the scenes) don’t care about getting player concessions, I do not think the NBA can expect to achieve any monumental solutions….In either case, some small market franchises will struggle to survive and this will hurt the players as well = less of their brothers getting the big bucks…. (in America that is)…a lot is at stake here in the longer term. The European basketball market is emerging and is becoming a legitimate threat to the NBA’s dominance of attracting professional basketball talent. It won’t happen overnight, but no one can deny that we are in a “world economy” now. The whole scene is different whether we like it or not.
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
Things are definitely changing.
However, I think the culture of basketball in the US, combined with how established the NBA is, means that the NBA will always be the top league.
For small-market teams, the ideal is obviously something like the NFL, where most teams have a shot most years, dynasties are much rarer, etc…but I think a lot of that is the difference in the sports (NFL teams with a lot more moving parts, so one or two superstars aren’t as impactful). But it can be improved, because teams should for the most part rise or fall on the basis of talent evaluation…it’s just that bad contracts and crippling tax payments screw a small market team more. So personally I think de-guaranteeing a lot of contracts would help small market teams as much or more – look at a team like New Orleans who might have to dump Chris Paul because they have so many terrible contracts.
I definitely agree with your perception of the NBA as mediators between the owners/franchises and the players. It’s an interesting balance.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
Like you said, If the NBA
can do anything at all, in the upcoming CBA, it would be the guaranteed contracts. The “eliteness” standard is the most crippling to the small market teams because it’s more of an investment/gamble to them. Talent can breed off springs like Lebron James, that have no loyalties to towns, fans, or their teammates. What is show time for some, is disgust to others.
Basketball is a team sport that has fewer contracts compared to most other major sports, so the likelihood of larger more ridiculous contracts are the norm. It is like you said, the moving parts of the organization has a bearing in more ways than one.
Integrity is everything and without it you are just a capitalist that succumbs to greed and selfishness,often at the expense of others.
Rules need to be in place for these types of people. Sadly the entertainment world has it’s own boundaries and is almost impossible to regulate. (especially the non-staged events you have in the sports world) Many people are willing to pay, regardless of integrity, because it can bring the edge of the spotlight closer to home. People like to feel they are part of the show, and many stars/agents take advantage of this.
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
Yes,
You still have to play the games…and Red Auerbach’s Celtics proved many times that you can win with team play and dominate defense. Not to mention the fast break as a quite convincing offensive weapon…..In which Jack Ramsey and his Walton led team fed a textbook lesson to Philly. ( I continue to make the comparison to all Blazer teams since, and get pounded in here for it, at times…living in the past)
… That was some entertaining basketball that set the standard for me . I use the phrase "once you have deemed you’ve seen the best, it’s hard to accept anything less’….I guess, not fair to this edition of the Blazers, because you have to build your team as such, but never-the-less still my picture of the way the game should be played.
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
I agree with your premise: that team basketball can overcome a talent deficit
But when you hold up that ‘77 Blazer team as your model, you need to keep in mind that the game has changed. That’s brought home to me when I watch tapes of that team. The players are overall less athletic; there’s no 3-point shot; hand-checking is permitted; defense is mainly mano-a-mano because of the strict zone defense prohibition; etc.
Of course, the PRINCIPLES of that Blazer team—unselfishness, ball & player movement, etc. still apply.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
yup
primarily because of the 3 point shot and the more athletic players today, the (team) fast break has been forgotten or at least does not resemble the fundamental application that was used in those days. (Oh, that Walton outlet was dynamic ! )
The athletic prowess has made the game much more individual. The ball is rarely passed down floor (the fastest way to transition) and individual breakaways (“cherry picking”) the norm. Dribbling and one on one play has replaced passing the ball down the floor and because most don’t know how to run the break, often becomes the higher value (percentage wise) for finishing the play.
The Drexler teams had great transition awareness and took advantage of solid rebounding and a mindset on keeping the defense on their heels.They simply were not a half court team and they knew it. So they did what they did best…. ran, rebounded and played solid defense. The 3 point shot was in it’s evolving stages, and they were able to utilize it effectively without living and dying by it.
I guess what I might be implying, is the game has evolved, but the fundamentals are essentially the same. You have to understand what suits your team and who you are playing on any particular night.
Most of today’s teams have multiple identities that allow them the versatility to function in the half court game and still take advantage of what their defense might give them in a faster transition game. This is simply a smart approach to their overall game plan. (as the opposing team will be looking to offset anything you are trying to do) You have to be prepared to adjust your game as needed.
I realize that comparing the past to todays game is not only impracticable, but down right selfish as well. I had my two generations of teams and now the younger generation has theirs. I believe I have seen the best basketball in my era and will not appreciate this edition of the Blazers as much as the younger people do. This is their team and I critique it like it was mine.(sorry)
You can never underestimate the exuberance that you get from youth. You get to participate in life that is more absorbing and involving. I was the same when I was younger….The Walton era put Portland on the map and was responsible for Blazermania. I was very happy to be part of that time. (when I lived in Portland) It was exciting and fun and I soaked it up just like everyone did….
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
Watching those '77 tapes, I'm particularly struck by the impact of the 3-point shot
Back then, everything was packed in the lane. You HAD to have screening & passing to get a shot off in the half-court. That is, unless you cleared a side & backed your man down one on one. It was just a different game.
In some ways, the 3-point line is a plus. It keeps the lane from being so clogged. But the spectacle of players camped out on the 3-point line waiting for the pass that never comes is, well, unattractive.
We’ve got a league full of guys now who can finish at the rim or hit the open three but can’t do anything in between. (Martell is a classic example.)
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
the 3 point shot
pretty much ended Jack Ramsey’s coaching career…His entire philosophy depended on tough defense and working to get the best % shot on offense. He could never understand why you would reward a player an extra point for taking a lower % shot. He was an old school guy in a young mans world. He and all his associates, including the Spoelstra’s and Stu Inman went to expansion Miami and helped that franchise get on it’s feet.
Started in the ABA as a sort of a gimmick to sell tickets, the NBA decided to adopt it when lower attendance and financial concerns were presenting themselves. Once considered a circus sideshow (by many) it quickly became the potent weapon it is today.
The problem with the 3 point shot is that tends to produce more robotic type play, that can leave your offense unimaginative and somewhat stagnant. In other words it can be tough to defend, but is quite predictable. It does give the transition to defense a better opportunity because you have players in better position to get back.ahead of the play. Hence, the ability to stop the fast break.
The other issue is living and dying by it. If you don’t practice the fundamental variances, you won’t be able to fall back on them when the shots don’t fall. The current Blazers have this issue to some extent….and, I would say with plenty of confidence, that they need to get rid of this “automatic slowdown” game to be able to take advantage of what good defense can give to your offense.( transition game)This team needs more easy hoops to survive the long season and more offensive variances to keep opposing defenses more honest.
Guess I’m sidetracked once again (a long ways from LMA as an all-star) My wife always says I have a rambling train of thought.
I have mixed feelings on the 3 point shot, but understand it is here to stay and also exciting for the fans. I agree with you about the type of player it has tended to create and has almost eliminated some older aspects of the game. Good or bad, the game and the players have adapted to it….Is it a better game for it? I’m not so sure giving way to old school fundamentals is such a good thing……but its a young mans world, so I will hold on to just venting some highly opinionated and subjective concerns in BE.
[Good defense "releases" your offense]
As a young guy, I think you have the right focus here
The lesson is to adapt your offense to your personnel. McMillan somewhat did that for Roy, but it’s time he takes a step back, reevaluates, and looks at how to optimize the current roster’s talents.
I’m hoping that the assistant coaches help push him in that direction. I don’t see Sarge changing anything quickly, but over time he can learn.
Incidentally, regarding the 3 point shot, I think as players get more athletic, having a mechanism in the game to spread the floor is important. It has a similar effect as the hand-check rule did – removing an aspect of strength in favor of skill and speed. Now I’m not sure I like the hand-check rule as much, but it seems to me that the game might get rather boring (and low-percentage) with everyone packed in the lane.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
And a couple key injuries could easily put LMA in the all-star game. At least it's the only way I see it happening.
Bust out the crowbars, boys and girls. Time to get to work.
You can measure skill and talent with your eyes, but productivity is shown through statistics.
My only comment on this topic
For LA, as much as for GO, this is the year to prove the doubters wrong. If the improvement doesn’t happen this year it is overwhelmingly likely it won’t happen at all. I’m willing to give LA the benefit of the doubt for not developing last year during the injury maelstrom but the season he needs to take a step forward in both committing to defense and accepting a less prominent (but hopefully more suitable) role on offense.
Its now or never, lets just hope he can stick it this year.
| #11 | #7 | #9 | #15 | #52 |
Agreed
Re/ LMA: I think we all also want to see fewer fadeaway 18-foot jumpers and more dribble drives to the hole for baskets or to draw fouls. If LMA doubles his free throw attempts this season, he’ll make MY all-star team.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
Great post Lao.
I love summer time stories about how this player added x pounds and is all of a sudden going to transform themselves in 3 short months. I’d like to think LMA will use his extra girth to better use, but I seriously doubt it. Maybe he goes to the rim a few more times a game but I doubt we’ll see any major changes in his game. Also, he was in an awful funk at the beginning of last season as he acclimated to playing with Greg Oden – expect some of the same of that to start.
Al Jefferson?
Let’s not forget about a 20/10/1.5+blk lock who is about to start playing with a real (top 3!) PG for the first time in his career.
Also, last year’s all-NBA team selections are telling as well to see who the coaches will vote in after the fan votes are locked in and David Lee looks to be a lock for the Amare spot:
Other players receiving votes, with point totals (first team votes in parentheses): Chris Bosh, Toronto, 80; Rajon Rondo, Boston, 47; David Lee, New York, 43; Carlos Boozer, Utah, 33; Chauncey Billups, Denver, 24; Zach Randolph, Memphis, 20; Al Horford, Atlanta, 19; Jason Kidd, Dallas, 18; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 15; Chris Paul, New Orleans, 14; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio, 13; Chris Kaman, LA Clippers, 9; Brook Lopez, New Jersey, 6; Josh Smith, Atlanta, 6; Paul Pierce, Boston, 6; Gerald Wallace, Charlotte, 5; Marcus Camby, Portland, 3; Andrew Bynum, LA Lakers, 2; Danny Granger, Indiana, 2; David West, New Orleans, 1; Kevin Garnett, Boston, 1; Mo Williams; Cleveland, 1; Tony Parker San Antonio, 1.
skill vs glam
aldridge will NOT be voted in by the public.
His skills could earn him entrance but for whatever reason he doesn’t fully utilize the skills i think he has. I strongly feel he could be HOF but maybe the will just isn’t there. I don’t expect his skills to increase here.
Aldridge turned down playing on the olympic team. Frankly, I think this hurts him and it could hurt Roy. I think it’s also another example of why his will is weak on his stated desire. Exposure brings people fame. Competition brings out better and sharper performance. Playing with the best raises your skill level.
Bottom line is Aldridge hasn’t done anything to raise his profile. Aldridge may have hurt himself depending on how showing up for the Olympics influences coaches voting. Lastly he has the potential skill, in my eyes, but has yet to step up and fulfill that potential and until he stops quitting on plays I don’t see a remote chance of that happening.
"We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
3 things would have to happen...
1) Blazers in 1 or 2 seed
2) LMA has to get his reb avg in double figures while keeping or improving scoring
3) Injuries. Even if the top 2 happen I think someone would need to get hurt that would be above him such as Dirk. Of the 3 requirements (IMHO), I think the third is the most likely.
Sometimes I feel like I'm going in different directions...
YEs, as I went through the facts, it seems like LMA has to improve and have a few things break his way
If Carmello goes East, that’s a slot.
In KP I trusted!
A simple solution
Aldridge can improve dramatically by FINISHING AT THE HOLE. Dunk whenever possible (it doesn’t need to be a mega-rama-jam, just a simple flush), layup point blank. use the away-from-the-bucket spin move only when necessary. Even if his shooting percentage doesn’t improve, he’ll be making 1+ more trip to the FT line per game.
M, period. Fresh, comma.
He is a decent foul shooter
He SHOULD be trying to draw contact and get to the line for the and1.
In KP I trusted!
Haha, you guys have played this trick on me before
This is like how Darius was going to come back and become an All-Star, isn’t it?
Tired of talking about LMA and tired of LMA talking. Show me on the court. Meanwhile most of the country doesn’t fawn over this guy like Portlanders do. It would take a standout year. 18 and 7 isn’t going to cut it. And there are going to be some other guys out there that weren’t around last year, Blake Griffin comes to mind.
The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct
I care so little about the All-Star game anymore
It’s just a bunch of players showing off. No one cares enough to play defense. I’ll watch All-Star Saturday Night but the game itself? I’ll pass.
2 words!
HECK NO!!! anyone who thinks he will be is either incredibly optimistic OR not thinking clearly… not a snowballs chance in hades will he make the team. The guy volunteered to NOT play for the USA team. He has zero ambition and zero drive. He just got paid. He clearly demonstrated last season how he is in no way, shape, or form a leader. I think T-Mac earns a trip to the all star game based on his performance before LA does…
Uh, I just have to say it (if anyone's still visiting this thread)
“He has zero ambition and zero drive” seems to be a common perception of LMA. But based on what? I’ve heard that LMA spends every off-season down in Texas, working out daily with Kevin Durant. KD, of course, is known as the most obsessive, 24/7 basketball grinder since Michael Jordan. Also, I’ve heard that, when in Portland, LMA is Bobby Medina’s prize pupil: the Trailblazer who hits the weights longest & hardest.
So again: where on earth do folks get the idea that LMA is some kind of couch potato? Because he ultimately decided not to play for the USA team this summer? Give me a break.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
I think it stems from his careful demeanor. He doesn't appear agressive enough for our warrior society.
In KP I trusted!
Maybe that's it
But rah rah aggression is so overrated. It’s good to have few Type A guys on a team, but good team chemistry requires other personality types as well. Unfortunately, their smoother style is often mistaken for a lack of interest or passion.
I’m reminded of Hank Aaron—back when he was quietly hitting .300 with 30 home runs every season—being heavily criticized for supposedly being too laid back—or even lazy. One writer said Aaron appeared asleep at the plate. In reality, of course, Aaron was simply maximizing his performance by remaining as relaxed as possible. But fans & “experts” who associated frenzied energy with optimal performance didn’t get it.
In one classic exchange, an interviewer told Aaron he should have the label facing up on his bat (as every Little Leaguer is taught to do). Aaron cooly replied, “I don’t go up to the plate to READ.”
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
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