The most important Blazer in the immediate future is
LaMarcus Aldridge. Now, some might say no it’s Damian Lillard. Although you
could make a great case for Lillard being the most important, it’s a moot
point. Aldridge sets the pace on offense, and he needs to be an anchor on
defense. Lillard may run the point and set up the offensive plays, but Aldridge
will be the reason this season that the Blazers rise or fall.
 |
| Photo Courtesy of: bleacherreport.net |
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I think Aldridge is the
best power forward in the game today. If you want to debate with me, go for it.
However, Aldridge has the best skill set, the best abilities of the power
forwards currently in the League. You match him up with others in the past or
future, he isn’t the best, but he has so many things going for him.
Looking back over his career, Aldridge has improved every
year in scoring. Before Brandon Roy got hurt, Aldridge never averaged more than
18.1 points per game. After Roy left Portland, Aldridge has averaged 21 points
a game. His rebounding numbers haven’t changed much. He went from averaging
eight or fewer rebounds with Roy to averaging eight or more. Last year he
almost averaged a double-double (21.1 points, 9.1 rebounds). He is a career
49.3% shooter from the field, yes he's that good.
Since he bulked up and started beating on the block,
Aldridge has scored more, rebounded better and even assisted better. Now a lot
of people will argue that the only reason Aldridge starting scoring and playing
better in general is because Roy got hurt. As true as that may be, Aldridge
worked as hard as he could to keep Portland competitive because he was (and now
is) the last one of the Portland Big Three plan.
Aldridge couldn’t carry the team by himself, just like Roy
couldn’t, but now Aldridge is an experienced, hard-nosed, back-you-down, true
power forward. Some may still think he is
soft or takes too many “turn-around”
shots, but I say if they go down, shoot the ball. For the longest time Aldridge’s
biggest problem was that he was too nervous and hesitant to shoot. Now, he
knows he is the longest tenured player in Portland, with the most playoff
experience in a Blazer uniform and that means he has to be the engine of this
team.
Aldridge will provide everything the Blazers need to be
successful. He gives them a dominant and consistent scorer down low. He can
step outside and hit those patented 12-foot jumpers. He can hit threes (if they’re
wide open). He can defend the post. He can defend the pick-and-roll. He can
alter shots. The list just goes on for miles.
Now, to the speculation part of the program; Aldridge does
NOT want out of Portland. I know people will say “how do you know” or “are you
sure” and yes I am. I know you can’t always trust social media, but every time
Aldridge was mentioned in trade rumors he refuted them. At one point, he was
pissed. There was a report that he was meeting with GM Neil Olshey during a
Summer League game to discuss trade options. Aldridge was in Texas that night.
He tweeted something like “Oh so now we’re making stuff up. SMH” (SMH is Shaking
My Head). Aldridge made a pact with Roy to make Portland relevant again, and
even without Brandon around I know that Aldridge will fight to bring the
Blazers back.
As much as I’ve talked about Aldridge being the key to the
Blazers success, he can’t do it alone. He tried to do that two years ago and
clearly that didn’t work. Now with a solid starting five consisting of Lillard,
Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, Robin Lopez and himself, Aldridge won’t have to
be the lone wolf on offense. Now I’m sure you’re saying, well the only
difference in the starting lineup is Lopez, how will that make such a big
difference? Lopez is 7’0”, J.J. Hickson was 6’9”, those 3 inches can make a
world of a difference. Lopez can also back down defenders. Now Aldridge will
draw the power forwards on offense and defense from other teams instead of
drawing the centers like he did with Hickson.
Also, Meyers Leonard will be a huge piece if he plays with
Aldridge. Meyers can shoot outside shots (see Fan Fest, he hit at least three
outside shots) and he is a much better all-around player. With bigger, more
experienced bodies around him and coming off the bench, teams will have to pick
their poison. Do they slow Aldridge or slow Lopez? Do they slow Aldridge or do
they try to take advantage of Thomas Robinson? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Finally, with the depth at guard and small forward, the
Blazers have a lot more shooting on the perimeter. Aldridge and Lopez can
create space down low and kick out to the three point line and put teams away
that way. If anyone is going to make the Blazers a championship contender, it’s
Aldridge. However, if he isn’t healthy or can’t make the impact I know he is
capable of then it won’t be a surprise if the team makes another first round
exit. It’s almost time to unleash the beast, and watch out because he is fired
up with a massive chip on his shoulder; the L-Train is coming to a station near
you, be careful you don’t get run over.