Aldridge taking and hitting threes Lillard playing pressing defense, fighting through screens Lillard finishing around the rim Kaman is a quality NBA center You can't run up the score when starters sit Lot of things for teams to get used to playing the Blazers, considering they didn't make any big off-season moves.
I think that the team HAS taken the step to the next level. That level isn't San Antonio/Miami Heat level, but the next group below it. The bad thing about that level is it's easy to fall in and out of it. A Ray Allen type Vet would be nice off the bench. Not only because he's a great shooter, but he's been there and knows what it takes.
I've been most impressed by Aldridge's defense. Both man and help. I never thought he'd become a rim protector, but it looks like he's stepped up there. Aldridge also happens too be posting the lowest turnover percentage of his career.
His help defense is definitely better this year. Well, doing ANYTHING on help defense would qualify as "better", but still... I'm actually most pleased with his passing. In the past it was like he was playing with blinders on, but he finally seems to be more "court aware". I'm never going to like his offense, but if he's becoming a better passer and help-defender that'll go a long way towards me building a better opinion of him.
Yep... The next leap for him had to be "from 43% volume scorer to 47% efficient shooter" and he's succeeded so far. ...that he shoots 47.6% from EVERYWHERE is what makes him a superstar.
Can't wait for our rematches with Golden State, Clippers and Kings. I have no doubt our team will prove to be much different than what it was when we played them.
I think we play them better because we are a more physical team. We can win ball games, even if we are shooting poorly.
Damian's ability to finish at the rim has improved tenfold since his rookie year. And LA's passing has improved as well. He reminded me of Karl Malone a little against the Bulls.
Because LA always had faulty modest athletic gifts, and all his improvements have been mental (coordination, speed of the game, handling various situations, knowing his favorite spots), he can continue to improve years after more athletic players stop. This is false equivalence but Jordan did the same thing, adding a great old man game in his later years.
Exactly! I have a feeling you will see a superstar Aldridge this season. He and Lillard are becoming such a great duo! It's really fascinating to watch!
I can't believe Aldridge is hitting 50% of his threes so far. And its not like he's only taken 4. You always knew he could, now he's actually doing it but not going all 'Sheed with it.
Our A/TO ratio is unreal!!!!! Leonard - 3.0 Blake - 2.9 Batum - 2.4 Aldridge - 2.4 Lillard - 2.3 Crabbe - 1.8 Matthews - 1.7 McCollum - 1.5
Did I miss his preview of our team? The Bill and Jalen NBA preview stopped at like #22, which is a huge fucking flop in my opinion.
